Erik ten Hag's future becomes 'uncertain' as Man Utd eye Roberto De Zerbi - report
- Man Utd have identified potential replacements for Erik ten Hag
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe said to not be his biggest fan
- Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi among contenders for job if it becomes vacant
By 90min Staff
Erik ten Hag's future as Manchester United has been described as 'uncertain' and the club are looking at Roberto De Zerbi as a potential replacement, according to a report.
The Red Devils enjoyed a fine first 2022/23 season with Ten Hag at the helm, surprisingly finishing third in the Premier League and also ending the club's six-year trophy drought with victory in the Carabao Cup.
However, United have failed to kick on this season. They were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage - finishing fourth behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray - while they are currently sixth in the Premier League, eight points off the top four. Performances have also been criticised, with United lacking a playing identity and many of their key players underperforming.
The Manchester Evening News report that following their successful onboarding at the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have 'analysed potential replacements' for Ten Hag in case they decide to start afresh and bring in a new manager.
Brighton & Hove Albion's De Zerbi is seen as one of the leading contenders for the job if it becomes available, with the Italian also on Manchester City's radar to succeed Pep Guardiola one day. 90min recently revealed De Zerbi is too on Liverpool's seven-man shortlist of Jurgen Klopp replacements.
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The MEN add that a 'well-placed source' claims Ratcliffe is 'not completely sold' on Ten Hag, though equally there is still a chance for him to turn this season around with a top-four finish and winning the FA Cup.
INEOS have been busy making structural changes to United since completing their 25% purchase of the club, with Manchester City's Omar Berrada brought in as chief executive and Newcastle's Dan Ashworth lined up for the sporting director role.
United suffered their 10th Premier League loss of the season - and 15th in total - on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Old Trafford, with Alex Iwobi scoring the winner deep into second-half stoppage time. The defeat was United's first across all competitions in 2024 having managed to put together a decent run of form lately.
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