Scouted – Manchester United Manager
Manchester United are out of contention for any silverware in the 2021-2022 football season, and are now at best 2nd favourites for the top 4. This season marks their longest run without silverware, since 1983. With no trophies being available to win until at earliest March 2023, this run will continue and fans, players and everyone involved in the club are adapting to this unusual circumstance whilst their two nearest and biggest rivals are looking at treble/quadruple possibilities this season.
To add to this misery, United are disjointed, in playing staff and most importantly coaching staff. The sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in late 2021 and the introduction of Ralf Rangnick was intended to revitalise the club and begin the journey of long-term planning, change to the structure off-field and give the club direction. The issue that has arisen since that time however, is that his appointment is short-term until the end of the season at which point he will change roles to become a consultant at the club as part of the ‘higher ups’. Because of this, the January window couldn’t allow for the clear out necessary, as Rangnick was clear he wanted to keep the squad as is to allow the next man in charge to make cuts/improvements as they see fit. Additionally, the short-term appointment and shift in tactical intensity and physical demands has led many players to almost appear unwilling to adapt, or unsure of the changes, knowing that in a few months they will likely all have new instructions, new training schedules/regimes and a whole new life to adapt to, so why try hard now?
With United in this position, stagnating in their current predicament and with no clear way out, thoughts have turned to the new season already. There are discussions and rumour over who will arrive and leave as playing staff, but most importantly, who’s the next manager in charge. With lots of high profile managers being touted, and many reaching the end at their current clubs/cycle, United will have to prise managers from their current clubs, however many of the suggestions have hinted at being willing to make this move to England, and so discussions are allegedly taking place over the coming weeks to make the final appointment, which the fans, and club board are hoping will be their final appointment for a prolonged period.
As the club look for their manager, we have been considering who could fit the club and who would get the best out of the current crop. In this post, we have picked out 4 of the biggest potential managers who could arrive, and then a few minor suggestions who are rumoured but much less likely. We will discuss the managers themselves, their history at clubs, where they are at now, their tactical preferences and what they could bring to Manchester United.
As always, if you have anything to add or contribute to this or any other post, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and tell us who you think will be the next Manchester United manager.
*This post was written on the 20th March 2022, prior to any official announcements or discussions over the next managerial appointment.*
Erik ten Hag
Speculation has increased massively this week on Ten Hag coming to United, and personally, I think this selection makes the most sense for many reasons, from building a project, managing expectations and tactical style. With many United fans jumping on the Ten Hag train, and alleged discussions taking place and the manager even taking English lessons, these rumours surely have some basis on which they are all built. As the saying goes, no smoke without fire…
Ten Hag’s management career began in 2012 after retiring at 32 from a playing career in the Eredivisie, primarily at Twente where he began and ended his playing career. He took his first management job at Go Ahead Eagles in the 2nd division in Holland, appointed by Marc Overmars for the job. In his first and only season at the club, he took them to their first promotion in 17 years to the top-flight, where they have bounced back and forth since Ten Hag’s departure.
Following this impressive start to managing, he went across to Germany and took over the Bayern Munich 2 team, during the Guardiola era at the first team. In his 2 years, he took the side from 14th in the 4th division, to 2nd and 1st placed finishes in his time.
With this experience at the incredible Bayern Munich setup under his belt, he returned to the Netherlands and FC Utrecht where he had spent a year in his playing days. Appointed as the sporting director and head coach, he took them from 11th the previous year, to 5th in his first year and then 4th in the second season, claiming a Europa League qualifier spot for the first time since 2013.
After instant impacts at Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich II and FC Utrecht, Ajax came calling for Ten Hag in 2017, and he has remained there since. Managing 206 games for the Dutch giants, he has won 152 (73.79%) of his games, and has a positive goal difference of 395 in this time, with his side averaging 2.75 goals per game, and conceding only 0.8 per game. He has won 2 league titles (at time of writing), 2 domestic cups and a Cruyff Shield. His most impressive season saw the club make it to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 only to be denied a place in the final from a late Lucas Moura goal. It was an unforgettable campaign for Ajax and brought back memories of the Ajax of old. Although unable to make the final, they impressed many and brought major admiration for Ten Hag and his style of play.
This seasons Champions League campaign got off to a hugely impressive start, going unbeaten in all 6 group games, however they became unstuck when a late goal for Benfica saw the out of the competition in the last 16 stage. With the side out of the Champions League, many have predicted it could speed up an appointment or final decision from Ten Hag regarding Manchester United.
Tactically, Ten Hag likes to play with a 4-3-3 which I personally think suits United’s current crop well, and has varied this to a 4-2-3-1 at times, which was the formation used by Solskjaer in his time. Playing with high intensity, high pressing and quick turnovers in play, he suits the Rangnick mould and could gel with him as a consultant, creating a strong dynamic and bringing this style even more in-depth at United. He likes to win the ball back quickly when possession is lost, as he claims “it’s what you do with in possession”, thus showing a desire to be in control of the ball for the majority of games. He plays from the back, which United would need working on, but likes to play with his fullbacks getting forward either overlapping or underlapping the wingers. This would again potentially need work, but Shaw and Rashford previously have shown potential of this tactic, and Rashford and Sancho being encouraged to cut inside and play narrow would suit their attacking intent, whilst supporting the main striker, be it Ronaldo or another. Ten Hag’s main striker is usually Haller, as he likes a physically strong and technically talented forward and has had huge success with this domestically and at Champions League level. His side are also disciplined, and blend youth and experience well, suitable for the likes of Varane, Ronaldo, Matic, Mata who can blend with the likes of Elanga, Rashford and other young prospects being introduced to the first team.
Additionally, and one of the strongest attributes in Ten Hag’s repertoire is his experience in Ajax, where their setup is regarded worldwide as one of the strongest. With great infrastructure, expectation and youth development, it is similar to Manchester United in developing talents and forging huge footballing talents, many of whom have gone on to great things. Thinking of what he could do to revitalise Rashford, capture Sancho at his peak, develop Elanga and the exciting youngsters of Iqbal, Garnacho and many others who’s names we are yet to see chanted in the Old Trafford stands, is so exciting for United supporters, and it feels like he would instantly understand the importance of developing these players, and possibly even from a board perspective the potential financial impact developing and selling young talents can have at the club, an aspect often overlooked from previous United managers.
Overall, for me, Ten Hag is the top choice. He seems ready for the step up, has impressed in every job he has had in his management career and would understand what it takes to succeed at United. Admittedly, not having the biggest reputation yet would be a cause for concern, but working with Rangnick for 2 years or so for any major issues would show a long-term plan and at this point, the two of them could have build a young, exciting squad with unlimited potential. If there is one manager I can see creating a United team to compete over the next 3-5 years, it’s Ten Hag, and I think the time is right, and would love to see this happen.
Mauricio Pochettino
The other main target is PSG’s Pochettino, who, after failing to progress in the Champions League will be likely out of his current position come the end of the season. With experience in the Premier League, working well under a tight budget at Spurs and then recent experience in a ego-driven dressing room, Poch could be a perfect choice to build something special with at United, as he will experience a blend of his recent management experiences, as the club have superstar talents already at the club, will spend when necessary and are in dire need for squad unity and direction.
The Argentine began managing in 2009 following an impressive playing career spanning Argentina and Europe. After retiring in 2006, 3 years later he took charge of Espanyol where his playing career had ended, with the side 3rd from bottom. He took them to a comfortable 10th placed finish this season and despite his lack of managerial experience, earnt enough respect that he was awarded an extended contract. He spent a further 2 full season at the club, before a poor start in 2012 and complaints over financial issues saw his contract mutually terminated in November 2012.
January 2013 was when Pochettino came to England as Southampton manager, and on the 9th of February picked up his first win for the Saints, beating Manchester City 3-1. Despite learning the language, he kept Southampton safe in his first year, and in the following season, his first full season in England, took them to an 8th placed finish, their highest league position since 2002-2003, and their highest Premier League points total.
Following this impressive year, he left Southampton for Tottenham, where his career really took off. In his 5 years at Spurs, he managed 293 games, winning 159 (54.27%) and took them to the infamous Champions League final in 2019. Although losing comfortably to Liverpool in the final, this game and run in the competition was the most notable season in the clubs’ history. Although he couldn’t break the Tottenham trophy drought, his time at the club and everything he achieved at Tottenham is still highly thought of to this day, as the club look to reach this level again.
After the 2019 Champions League final loss, the following season got off to a poor start, and Poch was sacked early into the 2019-2020 season in a surprising decision, however Spurs became desperate for a trophy and went for the Mourinho experiment which again didn’t quite pay off. Poch however after a year holiday was approached for the PSG job, one of the highest expectations in club football. In his year at the club to date, he has had mixed success. Managing 74 games he has won 49 of them, and has his first recognised silverware of his managerial career, winning the Trophée des Champions just over a week into his spell. Since then he has also added the Coupe De France, however failed to win Ligue 1 in a disappointing end to last season. Additionally, he has struggled in the Champions League, losing a semi-final to Manchester City last season and getting knocked out of the round of 16 this year to an impressive Real Madrid in the second leg just last week. With big ego to manage, high expectations from the board and supporters, it’s likely they will look to change their manager this summer and let Pochettino take on a challenge elsewhere.
This could be where Manchester United come in. Tactically, he could be a good fit for United, as he plays a 4-2-3-1 where United have had most of their successes in recent seasons. It also suits many of their attacking players. With a more competent no.6, this 2 pivot could bring out the best of a Pogba/VDB who have struggled to really find their place. In addition, he likes high-pressing, attacking football which will give United fans something they’ve been crying out for since the post-Fergie era began. Ole brought attacking football at times, but often on more ‘vibes’ than ‘structure’. The pressing was missing from making United dominant in games, where instead they waited patiently for quick counter-attacking opportunities. More importantly than formations, pressing and tactics, is Poch’s ability to man-manage players. Although often criticised for this at PSG, where players egos make them bigger than the club, the right squad such as what he produced at Tottenham were a collective with individual brilliance, rather than individual brilliance with the hope of playing as a collective. This distinction would be crucial when arriving at United, and whether it means getting rid of high-profile talents, he must bring the club back to being bigger than the players. Big decisions need to be made without fear, and after managing PSG he is used to this selection dilemma and risking disappointing and angering huge names, however dealing with a Ronaldo strop when there’s no clear backup might test Pochettino’s mettle early on.
Overall, I think Poch could be a good fit at United, as he can work on a budget, build team unity and play good football. Additionally, he has Premier League experience, however I have reservations over his ability right at the top level. Although getting to the Champions League final, he failed to compete when it mattered, has struggled in Ligue 1 and again even with a team containing Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, struggled in many big games. For me personally, I would love him to continue at PSG for another season and then perhaps look for a big job at Real Madrid or another European giant, as I think he is a really talented manager, but may struggle with the pressures of Manchester United and the major task required to sort this team out from top to bottom. It’s clear why he is being touted, however I think Ten Hag might just sway things for me personally.
Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick has to be on the list, and has hinted at being open to make his interim role permanent if the club wish. His current deal has him as the manager until the close of the season, at which point he will move to a consultancy role in the ‘higher ups’. This is arguably where his expertise lies at this current time, as he has spent much of the last 10 years as an executive rather than manager. Despite this, Manchester United have shown that they are willing to give interim’s a try, as Ole turned his interim role into a 3 year job in the main role, and Rangnick could do the same if a deal can’t be reached with their main managerial targets.
I believe this option has dropped in likeliness after the Champions League exit, as a good run in the competition, domestic cup success or a top 3/2 place in the league would have given him the credit to get a permanent job, however being out of all competitions, struggling for 4th, it’s not an appointment that would give optimism for the club going forward. Furthermore, in his 20 games at United, he has a 45% win percentage, winning 9, drawing 8 and losing 3. His ability to not lose games has been impressive, however the games against Atletico and Manchester City would show this move isn’t the right call.
What would give Rangnick an advantage in the managerial role, is that firstly he has experience of the club and players, and given full reign to make big decisions long-term, he could bring in some incredible talents which he surely has shortlisted, he could execute the clear out of current players required to move forward, and if given the backing of the board for another spell, he could really get the team playing in his image, something that I think he has held back on due to not wanting to affect things too much before the next manager’s arrival. I strongly believe we have only seen Rangnick’s style at about 50%, as in only 6 months he will struggle to get the tactical understanding, physical ability and technical detail from his players, at which point they will all forget what he has done and be taught new ideas and styles. Instead, I think he has tried to introduce some new ideas to the club which will likely be developed on by the next manager, such as pressing which wasn’t focussed on by Solskjaer over the last few years. This for me, is the main reason why it would make sense to keep Rangnick in his consultancy role, and bring in a manager who is happy to work under this guidance and suggestion to get the expertise of Rangnick, while being able to deal with everything else at the club, down to day-to-day issues which Rangnick hasn’t dealt with in his career as much over recent years.
Luis Enrique
In a World Cup year, could the Spain manager be tempted away from his current role, to take on the huge undertaking at Manchester United? Probably not given the World Cup takes place in the winter months rather than this summer, however, Luis Enrique has been the outsiders choice for the United job, given his history and experience in management.
Having started his managerial career at Barcelona B after a highly successful playing career in Spain, he followed Guardiola in the job as Pep took the big job at Barca. In his second season, Enrique got the B team into Spain’s’ second division and even the playoffs in his final season although ineligible to gain promotion. Following this, a move to Roma took Enrique out of Spain for the first time in his football career, and he endured a fairly mediocre season in Rome before leaving after failing to qualify for European competition at the end of his first season. 1 year later, he was back in Spain to manage Celta Vigo, and in his year spell earned a 9th place finish and managed to beat Real Madrid to end their hopes of the La Liga title. He only managed a year at Celta, as Barcelona came calling.
2 days after leaving Celta Vigo, he was announced as the new Barcelona manager, and brought together arguably their best ever squad, with the front-3 of Messi, Suarez, Neymar coming together for the first time under his management. In his 3 years at the club, he managed 181 games, won 138 and lost just 21, giving a win percentage of 76.24%. Arguably even more impressive, was his goal difference record, as his side scored 519 and conceded only 147 in his 3 years. Winning 2 La Liga titles, 4 domestic cups, 1 Champions League, 1 Super Cup and 1 Club World Cup, he had the squad, and got results as Guardiola had done just 2 years prior. At the end of his 3 years, he announced he wouldn’t renew his contract and a year later, took over the Spanish national side.
In his two spells in charge of Spain, split by personal tragedy which has been well documented, he hasn’t managed to replicate their success of the late 2000s/early 2010s, however did lead them to runners up in the 2020-2021 Nations League competition. In his 34 games in charge, he has 19 wins 10 draws and 5 losses as the Spanish side are undergoing a major transitional period from the huge successes to their latest crop of young talent. Enrique has made some big selection choices, including leaving out any Real Madrid players for the 2020 Euros, and has dropped De Gea from the side in their recent squad announcement despite his club form.
So, with all that history, why United? Well, he would be a good fit for a high-profile club, managing huge talents and egos, as he has gelled MSN, and could look to recreate this at United with their young exciting and impressive attacking talent, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Furthermore, his tactical approach would suit United after their years of Solskjaer, as they play quick, direct football scoring plenty and conceding few. He likes a counter-attacking quick game, 4-3-3 formation which varies to a 3-4-3 in attack to a 4-4-2 in defence. With Busquets playing as a holding midfielder, Xavi and Iniesta (or Rakitic) could be the creative influences in the middle, while overlapping full-backs would give wide-men Messi and Neymar the chance to cut inside, and provide an overload in attack. This led to them scoring so many, while the structure could transition back to defensive easily with Busquets so talented in his role. This formation would be perfect at United, as they play with an attacking 3 who all want to be involved in attacks, with Rashford-Ronaldo-Sancho, then Shaw/Telles and Dalot on the right could provide the overlaps to free up the wingers. Additionally, although United are in dire need of a defensive midfielder, being able to free up and incorporate 2 of Pogba/Fernandes/VDB has been the missing link to United’s creativity, and if they can gel as playmakers, could make United one of the top scoring sides in Europe.
The only concern would be around the no.6 role, and perhaps the ability of the full-backs to get forward, however with the right recruitment in this system, they can recreate this system. Enrique is a brave manager who often makes huge decisions including substituting Totti at Roma, confronting Messi at Barcelona and changing Spain to a back 3 which was frowned upon, he isn’t afraid to make big calls, and United need someone like this to reclaim authority, and put egos back into place.
He has been described as one of the two best managers Messi has ever played under by the man himself, and described by Barcelona as one of the toughest sides he’s faced, aside from Klopp’s Liverpool, if that’s not a good enough endorsement, I don’t know what is.
Overall, I think he would be the 3rd choice candidate for United, as primarily it wouldn’t make sense for him to leave his position as Spanish manager given their World Cup challenge and everything he is planning for there. Additionally, having been out of club management since that Barcelona side, would he be able to jump straight back in to a high-pressure job week-in week-out where there is so much work to do. Finally, would he gel with the current crop of players, be able to highlight the next stars and get his brand of football to work, especially with Rangnick’s pressing style hanging over the next manager. Personally, I think it would make sense in any other circumstances, but not given his current position, and this is why United will look elsewhere for their next man.
Other Candidates
There are other names being touted for the Manchester United job, however these are the ‘less likely’ as their current position in football, or personal preference lies elsewhere. These include;
Zinedine Zidane – Had we written this last summer, Zidane would have been in the top 2/3 on this list, as after leaving Real Madrid for the second time, he seemed so likely to take the job at United. A specialist in the Champions League, and serial trophy winner, he would have the respect of all players as he has won everything at the highest level, and demands instant respect and therefore players will follow his instructions much more willingly.
However, this move has become less and less likely as the PSG situation unfolds. Zidane has been out of the game this year as he is yet to make his next move, however he seems either the most likely successor for the French national team when Didier Deschamps moves on, or alternatively, the next person in the PSG job. With the French giants out of the Champions League once again, the Pochettino trial seems to be coming to an end at the conclusion of this season, and with Mbappe, Messi and others rumoured to be looking for a way out, Zidane would perhaps be one of the only managers who could gel this squad and bring together their huge names. Having dealt with Ronaldo before, he could manage big name talents who expect to instantly be the best, and would have enough respect from these for his history within the game, that he can make squad rotations, make big decisions on arrivals/departures and bring Champions League success as he has done already 3 times in 3 years at Madrid.
With those two jobs potentially coming available, this is where his path lies and so the United job suddenly doesn’t seem the right fit. Additionally, United want a long-term manager who will see this as the biggest job, and so don’t want to worry about the France job becoming available, or have other concerns of a long-term project.
Antonio Conte – Similarly to Zidane, with this conversation happening even late last year, Conte was, and is the man that many United fans think should be the next manager. Now at Spurs, and struggling to get his feet under the desk, he is at a club where he must battle for transfer decisions, must accept the trophies are hard-fought and rare, and the level often doesn’t meet his requirements. This has already in just a few months led to unusual and often-strange quotes from Conte such as “I came in to try to improve the situation in Tottenham but maybe in this moment, I don’t know, I’m not so good to improve the situation.” This has led many to believe he won’t remain long-term in the job, and it may be a stepping-stone back into English football before taking the United job.
A lot for Conte depends on their willingness to fund his transfer demands, as the summer could see the club lose their star player and struggle for replacements, alternatively, they may fully back their manager, keep Harry Kane and be able to put together a push for the title or domestic competition come next season. As these are unknowns, and United are looking now for their manager, if these talks have taken place at Tottenham, then he could be high on the list or off their shortlist altogether.
I personally see it as an unlikely appointment, as again Conte isn’t the ‘long-term’ choice despite his incredible silverware record. In a similar way to the Mourinho appointment several years ago, the club put aside their project plans, were willing to accept a different style of football and instead took guaranteed trophies. With this drought becoming a horrible mark on the clubs’ history, they could be tempted to make this move, end the silverware drought and then move later on a long-term appointment, but I think the ship has sailed (for now) on Antonio Conte at Old Trafford.
Thomas Tuchel – Unlike Zidane and Conte who have been shortlisted for a while, a man who’s name has been discussed very recently is Chelsea’s Tuchel. With their major off-field uncertainty throwing the clubs’ plans up in the air, Tuchel may well be left with a sinking ship and Manchester United offering a comfy looking life-raft.
Tuchel has spoken well about everything going on at the club, and deserves huge respect for getting on-field results during this time, including making the Champions League last 8, however after 2 years at the club, and the Champions League and other silverware in the cabinet, he has a great squad of players at Chelsea, and done great things, but nobody would blame the manager for taking an exit route as this is not what he has envisaged from his tenure at the club. Chelsea would have easily thrown him under the bus had results not gone his way, and so they surely can’t expect him to be loyal in this situation should he have an alternative waiting.
I personally think Tuchel will stay at Chelsea, at least for another season, as he seems settled, sure of his position and willing to get through this time until the ownership changes and go from there, while he isn’t showing any signs of being tempted by other jobs, and I believe when he says he is focussed on the job at hand. It would be one of the most shocking appointments in European football for the current Chelsea manager to move to Manchester United in both clubs respective position, and I think it’s a stretch too far for now.
Diego Simeone – The final name is one that has popped up in the last few weeks following United’s game against Atletico in which they were outclass tactically. Simeone is the name being suggested primarily from United fans as a ‘why not’ approach due to the recency of their defeat.
On paper, the idea of creating a new long-term project to shake up the club completely would suit Simeone to the ground, as he has spent the last 10 years doing this at Atletico. Additionally, he is a winner, who demands the best from his players, and as a manager who shows passion and determination on the touchline and in his role, United fans could easily fall in love with Simeone in the job as he ticks the boxes from a supporters perspective.
However, this is where the positives end, and reality must set in with this selection. Simeone is a defensive manager, which United fans have struggled with through Van Gaal and Mourinho, despite winning things, Old Trafford hasn’t responded well to dull football, and many fans would be willing to wait another year for a trophy providing the football week-in week-out is exciting and edge of your seat stuff. The club isn’t built on defensive football, and sitting on 1-0 leads, whereas this is where a lot of Atletico’s success lies, using the Champions League second leg as the exact blueprint. Further, Simeone’s style of frustrating other clubs and teams may not work in the same way in the Premier League. We saw all the ‘dark arts’ tactics at Old Trafford last week, and this is probably not going to be as accepted over a 38 game season in the Premier League, and I imagine rule changes would quickly stamp out these features of his management.
Finally, and most importantly, why would he want to leave Atletico for Manchester United? Yes it’s arguably a bigger club, but they are reigning La Liga champions and although sitting in 3rd this year, they are Champions League quarter-finalists, they give Simeone all the control of club decisions he could need, and he’s incredibly settled in his job. Financially, one of the highest paid managers in football, has a team built in his image and getting results with players willing to fight every second for him and the team, it’s his perfect setup and he will not get anywhere near this from Manchester United.