From Zidane to Southgate, here are the thirteen managers who have been mentioned as potential successors to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Manchester United’s season is coming to a conclusion, and the only way they can finish the year with a trophy is to win the FA Cup.

United were knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup before Christmas, and the first half of the season saw some poor results and unsatisfactory performances. The calendar year of 2024 has been fair to United, as momentum was built throughout January and February, but that excellent run of results came to a stop with a defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford and a 3-1 loss in the Manchester derby shortly after.

In between those disappointments, United advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a win against Nottingham Forest, and the season could be saved if they win that trophy. United are 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, putting pressure on Erik ten Hag.

There is speculation that a managerial change could occur at the end of the season, and bookies have produced a list of managers who could be Ten Hag’s replacement. The list of management candidates to replace Ten Hag, based on Betfair odds, is as follows.

Graham Potter’s odds: 7/2.

While Graham Potter is the bookies’ favourite, he is far from the supporters’ top choice for a prospective replacement. He did a fantastic job at Brighton, but he failed in his first opportunity to manage a major club at Chelsea, and coaching United will put him under considerably more scrutiny.

The 48-year-old previously worked with Dan Ashworth, who is poised to be hired as United’s sporting director, at Brighton, and he fits the profile of a young English manager. However, his hiring would not be well received by supporters, who prefer a more experienced manager.

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is the bookmakers’ favourite. (Image by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Simone Inzaghi’s odds: 15/2.

Although it does not cost much money to transfer manager markets, Simone Inzaghi is second on the list and now leads Inter Milan, the top team in Serie A. Inzaghi played the majority of his career for Lazio, where he also took his first managerial position. He was in charge of the Rome club from 2016 to 2021 and then joined Inter.

Thomas Tuchel’s odds: 9/1.

Thomas Tuchel has spoken glowingly about United when given the opportunity, and it appears that he has fluttered his eyelids at the club on several occasions. He won the Champions League with Chelsea, defeating Manchester City in the 2021 final, although he is expected to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Tuchel won the Bundesliga on the final day of last season following a late collapse by Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen is on track to win the championship this year. He would be a more suitable choice, but there have been recent concerns about him.

Ruben Amorim’s odds: 9/1

Ruben Amorim has been connected with a few English clubs in the last 18 months, and the Sporting Lisbon manager appears to be in demand following a successful tenure in Portugal. The 39-year-old had never managed outside of Portugal, yet he guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in his first full season in charge. “I don’t want to remark on these issues. In November, he stated that he had not been approached by Manchester United over the potential transfer.

Zinedine Zidane odds: 10/1

Zinedine Zidane has been linked with United since leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, but there is no evidence that he would return to management. During his tenure with Los Blancos, the Frenchman became the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row, but he did so with world-class players at his disposal. Some have compared Zidane’s time with Real Madrid to a ‘baby sitting job’.

Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane has been out of work since 2021. (Image: Photograph by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Gareth Southgate’s odds: 14/1.

Gareth Southgate is another English manager on the bookies’ list, and his name is unlikely to appeal to fans. The Three Lions manager has been chastised for his approach with the national team, and his club managerial record does not seem good. He’s not the best fit for United.

Roberto De Zerbi’s odds: 14/1.

Roberto de Zerbi is said to be interested in joining United, and the Italian is also considered one of the frontrunners to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He’s pushed Brighton to new heights since Potter’s departure, and he’s received praise for his daring style of play. De Zerbi expects his goalkeepers to encourage press from the opponent, and his team’s build-up play is among the finest in the Premier League.

Julen Lopetegui’s odds: 14/1.

Julen Lopetegui has had a fascinating few years in management. His coaching spells with Spain and Real Madrid were unsuccessful, and he most recently led Wolves. That term ended in disappointing manner due to a conflict with the board, and it would be surprising to see a former Wolves manager take over United in his next role.

Xabi Alonso’s odds: 14/1.

Xabi Alonso is a modern-day Liverpool legend, and nothing more needs to be said. He has done an excellent job with Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to handle Bayern Munich or Liverpool next.

Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, is on track to win the Bundesliga. (Image credit: Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Hansi Flick odds: 16/1

Hansi Flick led Bayern Munich for two years before moving on to lead the German national team for another two years. He won the Champions League with Bayern, but his stock has dropped following a disappointing term as manager of his country, and he has been out of work since leaving that position.

Antonio Conte’s odds: 20/1.

Antonio Conte expressed interest in taking over at Old Trafford when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired, but that ship has flown, and his recent record leaves plenty to be desired. Conte’s negative tactics do not accord with United’s ideals, hence he would not be a good fit.

Jose Mourinho’s odds: 20/1.

Could ‘The Special One’ return to United for a second time? Despite his popularity among fans, Jose Mourinho is unlikely to be rehired.

Julian Nagelsmann’s odds: 20/1.

Julian Nagelsmann is a young manager with outstanding credentials, and he would be a better fit than others on our list. He is in command of Germany for this summer’s European Championship, although his contract will expire after the tournament, and he is anticipated to return to club football.