Top five candidates to replace Erik ten Hag: Manchester United's next manager options include Southgate, Xavi and current Premier League boss

Manchester United are on the hunt for their sixth permanent manager since Alex Ferguson after sacking Erik ten Hag.

The red devils he fired the dutchman on Monday after a 2-1 loss to West Ham that left the club 14th in the table.

That extended a recent run to just one win in their last eight, having won just four games out of 14 in three competitions this season.

Ten Hag accused the media of crafting 'fairy tales' and 'lies' when talking about his position in united man earlier this month.

However, two Premier League games later, his two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford came to an end.

In June, Ten Hag admitted that United contacted other managers about your work before agreed to a surprise contract extension.

the first Ajax the boss had been under pressure The club finished eighth in the Premier League last season: United lowest finish ever seen in the top category since its rebranding in 1992.

But his success in the FA Cup, his second trophy after the Carabao Cup won in 2023, he was rewarded with a new one-year contract earlier in the summer.

Three months into the new season, attention is now focused on Ten Hag's successor, with several names being touted.

Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettinoboth heavily linked to Man United previouslyare now unavailable after having accepted international jobs in England and the United States, respectively.

The list of possible replacements includes at least one manager currently employed by another club and United are believed to be willing to consider paying compensation.

Here, we've looked at the five most likely contenders to replace Ten Hag, via The latest talkSPORT Bet odds.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy – Man United interim coach (5/4)

The Red Devils are no strangers to turning to an Old Trafford hero to serve on an interim basis while they search for a new manager.

Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrickand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer They have all temporarily taken charge of United and the latter has obtained a permanent contract.

Van Nistelrooy He is the bookies' favorite to emulate the path of the 'Baby-Faced Killer' by being named should he impress on the bench.

The legendary former United striker was a popular but surprising quote when he put aside his managerial aspirations to return to England as an assistant coach.

He played for United from 2001 to 2006, scoring 150 goals in 219 games for the club before signing for real Madrid.

The Dutchman helped the club to a Premier League title, as well as an FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.

After retiring from the game in 2021, he went on to work at PSV-Eindhoven in his academy and eventually became head coach in May 2023.

After winning the 2022/23 KNVB Cup, he resigned with one match left in the 2022/23 Eredivisie season, citing a lack of support in the boardrooms.

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Gareth Southgate – Former England manager (4/11)

Former England boss south gate He is known to be highly regarded by United's minority owner. Sir Jim RatcliffeINEOS Group and sports director. Daniel Ashworth.

The 54-year-old was a speculated option for United before taking the Three Lions to Euro 2024.

Southgate left the England job just two days after their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final and has been out of management since.

However, speaking earlier this month, south gate confirmed there is no chance He will take over as United manager, or any other managerial role, over the next year.

“First of all, I'm enjoying my life… so there's no rush,” he said. “I spent 11 years fully committing to the FA and I have many different experiences.

“But I certainly won't be a coach next year. I'm sure of that.

“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really important role, you need to give your body and mind time.”

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Xavi Hernández – Former Barcelona coach (5/1)

Sources in Spain claim that former Barcelona manager Xavi has held talks over a move to Old Trafford.

The 2010 World Cup winner has a close relationship with United chief executive Omar Berrada since his time at the Camp Nou.

xavi revealed in January that he would leave spanish giants Barça this summer but then made a U-turn and chose to stay.

However, just a few weeks later, it was decided that the the former midfielder would leave the club and has been out of work since June.

Xavi has flirted with the idea of ​​managing in the Premier League in the past, and Marcus Rashford has been appointed as one of his toughest opponents since moving into the dugout.

“I would love to work there,” he once told the Times.

“Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in. Firstly, because of the passion with which they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums.

“Then why not? I could see myself in England, definitely, it's one of the things I would like to experience in my career.”

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Thomas Frank – Brentford manager (6/1)

talkSPORT understands that Brentford manager Thomas Frank He is also admired by the United board.

Frank has been one of the Premier League's most impressive head coaches in recent seasons and has successfully kept the Bees in the top flight since their promotion in 2021.

The Dane was linked with the Chelsea vacant in the summer after they mutually separated Pochettinoalthough Enzo Maresca was his eventual replacement.

This season, Brentford have flourished despite losing. Ivan Toney in the summer and are two points ahead of United.

During an exclusive interview with talkSPORT this month, Frank He insisted that he is happy at Brentford but I wouldn't rule out leaving.

“I have said many times that I am very happy in Brentford“Frank responded.

“Who knows what will happen in the future? Maybe I will stay here for many years. I'm open, maybe something will happen.”

However, one concern about the Danish manager replacing Ten Hag would be the fact that he has not managed a big club.

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Julian Nagelsmann – Germany coach (6/1)

In an ironic twist of fate, United could depend on one of LiverpoolThe best managers play a role in sorting out their future.

Jurgen Kloppwho masterminded a 5-0 win at Old Trafford and a 7-0 humiliation against Ten Hag, left Anfield in the summer.

He has since revealed that he will become the new Red Bull Global Head of Football in January with a long-term contract.

There is understood as an exit option in your agreement That would allow him to become Germany's national coach.

Klopp has long been linked with the 'Die Mannschaft' position and is a potential future successor to the current Germany boss Nagelsmann.

After becoming the youngest coach in Bundesliga history in 2016, at just 28 years old, the former Hoffenheim And the Leipzig manager has already taken charge of the top level of club football from Bayern Munich.

Nagelsmann previously linked to Tottenham before the appointment of Ange Postecoglou, as as well as one of Chelsea's contenders.

He has since restored Germany as an international power, having taken them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil, where they lost to eventual winners Spain in extra time.

Nagelsmann is open to replacing Ten Hag at Man United, talkSPORT understands, and is believed to be interested in a return to club football.

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