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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly eager for the next manager after Erik ten Hag to be British.
Ten Hag is currently in serious danger of losing his job after United suffered their third Premier League defeat in just six matches this season.
The Red Devils slipped to a humiliating 0-3 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, with the result leading to renewed pressure on Ten Hag.
It has been suggested that the Dutchman has the next two games against Porto and Aston Villa to save himself, although he rubbished these claims as he insisted he’s not at all worried about his position at Old Trafford.
However, if things go badly for United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may find themselves in a situation where they will have no other choice but to sack Ten Hag.
According to TEAMtalk, Ratcliffe wants to hire a British manager.
The news outlet reveals, “Serious discussions about who could take the reigns from the Dutchman are underway. Sources say that Ratcliffe has made it clear that he wants the ‘best of British’ at the club.”
“We understand that Graham Potter and Eddie Howe are considered the two leading candidates to replace Ten Hag at this stage, while Gareth Southgate and Simone Inzaghi are also admired.”
“Sources have reiterated to TEAMtalk that Man Utd are actively looking for a world-class manager with the ability to take them to the top of the Premier League.”
It’s understood that Potter – who recently admitted that he wants a return to management – would be “very keen” to speak to United about potentially succeeding Ten Hag.
United are said to be admirers of the former Chelsea manager and his time at Stamford Bridge will have no bearing on INEOS’ decision as there’s an acceptance that he was working under difficult conditions.
With regard to Howe, TEAMtalk note that he has had “a fractious relationship” with the Newcastle hierarchy and this has “alerted Man United to his situation.”
However, there is “caution” at United about the prospect of appointing Howe because he is a frontrunner for the England job, which is an opportunity he’ll find very hard to turn down.
The other challenge is that the Magpies would likely demand a hefty compensation package to part ways with Howe, same as they did with Dan Ashworth a few months ago.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk explain about Southgate, “Sources close to Man Utd say that if the decision was just down to Ratcliffe then Southgate would be one of the favourites to replace Ten Hag.”
“However, others have poured cold water on the links by stating that it’s unlikely he would be picked ahead of Howe and Potter.”
“The job that Southgate did with England in turning them from serial flops into one of the world’s best national teams has not gone unnoticed and he is understood to have a positive relationship with Dan Ashworth. Other clubs are keeping close tabs on Southgate’s situation, too.”
The only non-British coach on INEOS’ list as per TEAMtalk is Inzaghi.
At the moment, the Inter Milan gaffer is considered to be behind Potter and Howe in the pecking order. It also wouldn’t be easy to pry him from Inter’s hands as he is happy there.
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