Man United identify new manager candidates as Ten Hag ‘on trial’

• Ten Hag ‘on trial’ as Man United identify new manager candidates.

Erik ten Hag faces a crucial month in his tenure as Manchester United boss with the club reportedly identifying two potential candidates to be their new manager.

The Dutchman has come under pressure amid disappointing performances and results this season. The Red Devils have lost 12 matches in the Premier League this term, their joint-most in a single campaign, and sit seventh in the table.

Ten Hag has just seven games to save his job, with 54-year-old “on trial” between now and the end of the season, according to the Telegraph.

They report that new Man United technical director Jason Wilcox will conduct “an audit of the manager’s credentials and dressing room relations before the club makes a final decision” on his future.

Wilcox has been tasked by Man United to provide “a detailed assessment of Ten Hag’s strengths and weaknesses and relationship with the squad to better determine whether his approach can fit with the overarching style of play and philosophy they intend to pursue”.

The report adds that Ten Hag could remain in the job as the club feel there is “no stand-out candidate” in the current market, but other reports suggest they are looking at two possible replacements.

Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has “held initial talks” with outgoing Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, according to the Daily Express. The German tactician would take the job if it was offered to him, claim Sports Zone.

Roberto De Zerbi, meanwhile, is said to be at the “top” of Man United’s managerial shortlist. TeamTalk claims that the Italian is “admired greatly” by Ratcliffe and his recruitment staff.

Ten Hag guided Man United to a second successive FA Cup final on Sunday, but his side surrendered a three-goal lead in the second-half before scraping through on penalties.

The manner of the victory will have done his prospects of remaining at Old Trafford next season no favours, although the former Ajax boss disagrees.

“That would be crazy,” said Ten Hag after the game. “You need the tools to manage this, with all the injuries we don’t have so many tools, we don’t even have a back four in their best positions.”

“On that part I have to give the team a compliment, the players managed that, they were in a position that is not in their best. They gave 100%, which they should, but it’s not always easy to play the best football when you’re not in your best position.”