Ranking the 5 Managers Who Could Replace Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United

• Reports suggest Erik ten Hag will be let go by Manchester United after the FA Cup final
• The Red Devils have already identified five possible replacements for the Dutchman
• Those candidates include three former Chelsea managers who are currently unemployed

Less than 24 hours before the FA Cup final, a bombshell report has surfaced: Erik Ten Hag will be sacked as Manchester United manager regardless of Saturday's result.

Despite the momentum he built in his first season, the Dutchman has struggled to maintain success, leaving him vulnerable as United's new minority shareholders, INEOS, assert their influence over the club.

With the 54-year-old's departure from Old Trafford seemingly imminent, Sports Brief examines the five candidates shortlisted to replace Ten Hag, including a former United coach and a recently available manager.

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Managers who could replace Erik Ten Hag

Thomas Tuchel - Free Agent

Thomas Tuchel, the first to face Todd Boehly's wrath at Chelsea, has long been linked to the Manchester United job.

Recently announced to leave Bayern Munich after a tough season, the German is eager to return to the Premier League, with United being his top choice., per Givemesport.

However, his preference for quick fixes over long-term projects may not align with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's vision for the club.

Thomas Frank - Brentford

Thomas Frank is the least likely candidate for the Manchester United job, but his mention underscores the high regard for his work at Brentford.

Despite challenges like Ivan Toney's absence and David Raya's departure, Frank led the Bees to their third consecutive Premier League season.

His commitment was evident when he coached a day after his father's passing. The 50-year-old is also considered for the Chelsea job, suggesting it's only a matter of time before he gets a big opportunity.

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Mauricio Pochettino - Free Agent

If Mauricio Pochettino hadn't left Chelsea, this sequence of events might not have unfolded.

Despite Chelsea's promising end-of-season form, Pochettino often hinted at doubts about his future, ultimately leaving the club abruptly.

Now free to pursue any opportunity, he seems poised to fulfil a long-standing prophecy of managing Manchester United.

Previously a top contender for the United job in 2022, Pochettino, with his Premier League experience, may finally be Sir Jim Ratcliffe's choice to take the helm.

Kieran McKenna - Ipswich Town

Kieran McKenna, the favourite for the Manchester United job, has been making waves since leaving his role as United's first-team coach to manage Ipswich in 2021.

He led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions, bringing them to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, per the BBC.

His success attracted Brighton's interest as a potential replacement for Roberto De Zerbi and landed him on Chelsea's shortlist following Mauricio Pochettino's departure.

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This has spurred United to reach out to McKenna, considering him to lead their next project.

Graham Potter - Free Agent

Graham Potter, another casualty of Todd Boehly's tenure, was initially trusted to replace Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.

Despite a successful stint at Brighton, Potter's time in London was a failure, ending with a win rate of just 39% and a damaged reputation.

Since leaving Chelsea, he has been linked to Ajax and West Ham but remains without a job. At 49, Potter is still a prominent free agent.

Could this be enough to tempt Manchester United to give him another shot at the big time?

Rooney accuses ten Hag of 'insulting' players

Sports Brief earlier reported that Wayne Rooney slammed ten Hag for insulting United players following their loss to Arsenal.

The manager openly expressed disappointment in the team's performance, particularly criticising their attitude in his analysis.

Reflecting on ten Hag's remarks, Rooney felt United players should feel insulted by their manager questioning their passion.