Manchester United Nears Decision on NEW Manager Amid Uncertainty Over Erik ten Hag's Future: Reports

Having just lost the Community Shield to Manchester City , Manchester United had a difficult beginning to the 2024–25 season followed by a poor start in the Premier League. The lacklustre performance of the team has cast questions on Erik Ten Hag's future, as he cannot leave a notable influence. After the unsatisfactory beginning, uncertainty hangs over the manager's term.

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Manchester United would eye Zinedine Zidane as Erik Ten Hag’s possible replacement if sacked 

Following a poor start to the season, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag comes under more and more criticism. Mirror reports point to co-owner of the club Sir Jim Ratcliffe considering replacing Ten Hag with former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.

United had a difficult last season when were ousted early from the Champions League and finished ninth in the Premier League. Even if the FA Cup was secured and the freshly rebuilt board of the club decided to keep Ten Hag, the turbulent start of the current season has further increased him under pressure.

Recent United performance has been underwhelming; they narrowly defeated Fulham 1-0, then lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion, and then suffered a severe setback to Liverpool at Old Trafford. These disappointments have greatly raised Ten Hag's performance's importance.
With Zinedine Zidane rising as a top prospect, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is apparently monitoring potential replacements in case Erik ten Hag's position becomes unsustainable. Three-time Champions League champion Zidane is still much sought-after in the coaching scene even if he has been out of management since 2021.

If Didier Deschamps steps down as head coach of the French national team, Zidane is also a much mentioned candidate. Moreover, Zidane has lately shown uncertainty about the Manchester United position, citing his poor English language competency as the main issue. Zinedine Zidane, on his English, said to L’Equipe (via Daily Mail): 

“Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it. I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way,” 

Notwithstanding the increasing conjecture, Erik ten Hag continues to get the confidence of CEO Omar Berrada and sports director Dan Ashworth. Both have openly expressed their trust in his capabilities and dedication to the squad.

As the international break is almost over, Manchester United will now be seen in action against Southampton in the Premier League on Sturday, September 14, 2024.