Man Utd's seven options to replace Erik ten Hag as boss faces two make-or-break matches

Erik ten Hag will reportedly be given two more games to save his Manchester United job as he prepares for trips to FC Porto and Aston Villa, but there are a number of candidates said to be waiting in the wings

Erik ten Hag is under a huge amount of pressure at Manchester United after another humbling defeat to Tottenham - and the Dutchman is now the favourites to be the next Premier League manager sacked.

His United players were outfought and outplayed at home to Spurs, who ran away with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday, leaving the Red Devils in 12th place in the Premier League and putting Ten Hag under huge pressure to turn things around.

Reports emerged on Monday morning that Ten Hag will be given two more games to save his job as he prepares for trips to FC Porto and Aston Villa, but there are a number of candidates said to be waiting in the wings should the Dutchman fail to rally his troops.

Mirror Football takes a look at the seven candidates who could possibly be tasked with taking over Manchester United from under pressure Ten Hag.

Gareth Southgate

The former England boss is available after leaving the Three Lions following Euro 2024 this summer - and while he has had his critics with the national team, he did get results and managed to reach two major finals.

Southgate is said to have huge admirers within Ineos - while he also worked with new United sporting director Dan Ashworth during their time together with England

However, it might be too soon for Southgate to return to such a big job, especially considering the huge pressure he was under to deliver a trophy for England during his eight years in charge. Stepping straight into the hotseat at Old Trafford will not be an easy task in the slightest with such an expectant fan base.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Graham Potter

The former Chelsea boss hasn't worked since being axed by the Blues just seven months into his stint at Stamford Bridge - and you could argue he wasn't given enough time.

Potter was highly-rated after his terrific work at Brighton and often plays an attractive brand of football, though his reputation was damaged at Chelsea after appearing to struggle managing a host of high-profile stars.

It could be the perfect way back for him to redeem himself - but only if he is given time to implement his style of play.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel

The German had conversations with the United hierarchy over the summer but the club ultimately didn't move forward with the ex-Chelsea and Dortmund boss - instead deciding to stick with Ten Hag.

The question of why United didn't agree a deal with Tuchel when he was available is a puzzling one - and it must also be remembered that his reigns usually end sourly after having a difficult relationship with bosses at PSG and Chelsea.

However, his pedigree is undoubted having won the Champions League with Chelsea and he'd bring a winning mentality to Old Trafford.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

The former forward is natural pick for United given that he is already inside the club as Ten Hag's assistant manager. The Dutchman is a club legend who has experience of managing PSV in 2022-23 and has a good affinity with the players too.

The only problem he has is that he's never managed a top club at the highest level and absolutely never handled the pressure of a job like United.

Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Kieran McKenna

The Ipswich Town boss is earning rave reviews for his work at Ipswich having taken them from League One to the Premier League back to back.

He worked as a youth coach at United and was later promoted to Jose Mourinho's first team coaching staff, staying in the role under Ole Gunnar Solskajaer - and he will therefore know a handful of the players very well.

It would be a huge job for McKenna, however, who will know he is a popular figure at Portman Road and he will also be keen to show he can keep the Tractor Boys in the Premier League.

Zinedine Zidane

The France and Real Madrid legend has been consistently linked to the Old Trafford hotseat in recent years but shows no desire to take charge.

Zidane - who is unattached since leaving Madrid in 2021 - recently played down suggestions he could join United, insisting he cannot speak English well enough to do the job justice.

Simone Inzaghi

The Italian has emerged as a left-field name to succeed Ten Hag at United, with the club impressed with the work he's done with Italian giants Inter Milan since taking over at the San Siro in 2021.

Inzaghi has won the Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies, while he led Inter to the Champions League final in 2023, when they lost to Manchester City.

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