Erik ten Hag future: 48-year-old emerges as ‘serious contender’ for Man United job
Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi has reportedly emerged as a serious contender to become the next Manchester United manager if Erik ten Hag is sacked.
Despite the Red Devils slumping to their lowest Premier League finish (eighth) last season, Ten Hag saved his own bacon courtesy of an FA Cup triumph and penned a new two-year contract after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co were unable to acquire the services of any of their desired alternatives.
Ten Hag was backed in the summer transfer window as Man United forked out almost £200m on five new senior signings and Red Devils supporters were hopeful that the Dutchman could turn their fortunes around this season.
However, the 54-year-old has overseen just three victories in nine games across all competitions this season, coming out on top against both Fulham and Southampton in the Premier League and League One outfit Barnsley in the EFL Cup.
Man United have made their joint-worst start to a Premier League campaign, picking up just seven points in their opening six matches, and suffered a miserable 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, piling more pressure on Ten Hag.
Ten Hag out, Inzaghi in?
It is understood that the Red Devils hierarchy currently have no immediate plans for a change of manager, with Ten Hag set to remain in situ for away fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa before the international break.
However, if performance levels do not improve quickly in those matches, then Ten Hag could be facing the axe and a few names has subsequently emerged as a potential replacement.
According to the Daily Star, Man United will consider targeting Inter Milan boss Inzaghi if Ratcliffe and co decide to make a managerial change during the next international break.
Red Devils chiefs are said to have been impressed with the job the 48-year-old has done since taking charge of Inter in 2021, but they would encourage the Italian to introduce a more attacking style of football if he were to take the reins at Old Trafford.
Inzaghi, Southgate on Man United’s shortlist?
Inzaghi has won almost 65% of his 165 matches in charge of Inter across all competitions and has lifted a total of five trophies, including last season’s Serie A title, cruising to Italian top-flight glory after finishing a staggering 19 points clear of rivals AC Milan in second.
Inter have also won two Coppa Italias and two Supercoppa Italianas under Inzaghi, while they also reached the 2023 Champions League final, losing 1-0 to Manchester City.
Inzaghi is not the only name said to be on Man United’s radar, as they are also believed to be exploring the possibility of reigniting their interest in former England manager Gareth Southgate.
It is claimed that Southgate has a lot of admirers at Man United and is also close friends with their new sporting director Dan Ashworth, who previously worked with him during his time at the Football Association.
Ten Hag’s current assistant coach and former Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is also understood to have been identified as a potential managerial candidate, but on an interim basis.
Man United currently sit 12th in the Premier League table and will travel to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night before taking on Aston Villa at Villa Park in the top flight on Sunday.
