HITC understands Manchester United are angered by claims they have held talks with potential successors to Erik Ten Hag on the eve of the FA Cup final and insist no decision has been made about the Dutchman.
United in recent months have put together their first building blocks of their new project under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – whose INEOS firm is now running football operations at Old Trafford,
One of Ratcliffe’s huge issues has been damaging speculation and leaks around the club, but despite him placing his senior INEOS men Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc on the club’s board, issues are still arising.
HITC understands that Brailsford, who has overseen a detailed review of United since arriving in the club, is looking to instil an ethos, attitude and belief around the club that will see them ranked once again amongst the world’s elite.
The latest reports surround the future of Ten Hag – which the club have admitted will be the subject of a review and meetings, which will commence next week after the FA Cup final against local rivals Manchester City.
With that in mind, United have been doing their own due diligence and background checks on potential successors – who they already have in mind, but to suggest they have met with candidates has been strenuously denied by club sources.
Ten Hag himself has made it clear during recent talks with the club that he wants to stay and his use of the club’s youth talent which has seen the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Willy Kambwala all emerge as first-teamers this season.
Erik Ten Hag still fighting for his United future
HITC understands that United are considering allowing Ten Hag to stay in charge this summer, given how much work they have to do on the transfer front, as they are looking to bring in a number of new faces – with a central defender, midfielder, forward and left-back all on their list of targets.
The thinking is that keeping Ten Hag would allow them to concentrate on their transfers as well as further integrating more new names in their footballing staff – with Omar Berrada due to start work in July and Dan Ashworth due to arrive from Newcastle at some point in the coming months to take up his position as sporting director.
But, the form towards the end of the season has been hugely worrying which has seen United turn their attention to possible other options.
England boss Gareth Southgate remains someone who HITC understands fits the characteristics and ethics that the club are looking for, whilst former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is also someone of similar ilk.
United have been also made aware of the availability of others and HITC can confirm that intermediaries have put forward Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick to the club and they have assessed both Germans, who both have impressive CVs.
Domestically – Kieran McKenna’s agents are working hard to move him, and have held talks with Brighton, whilst making Chelsea and now United aware that he is ready to leave Portman Road.
McKenna knows Old Trafford well from his time serving as an assistant under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and whilst he is admired at the club – HITC is told there are some reservations over bringing him back.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank, like McKenna, is interesting Chelsea and HITC is told that the 50-year-old Dane – is very much appreciated at United, again someone who they believe is of a similar mould to Southgate and Potter.
Mauricio Pochettino ready to return to management
Then there is Mauricio Pochettino and HITC can reveal that his representatives have made it clear to United, and others, that the Argentine is ready and willing to make a quick return to coaching following his exit from Chelsea.
Pochettino has received his pay-off from Chelsea and is free from any clauses, which has also been highlighted to interested parties.
Pochettino still ranks amongst Sir Alex Ferguson’s closest allies in football and the United legend has never been shy is pushing the virtues of the Argentine to his former club.
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