Former Manchester United star Tim Howard believes that two managers will be “interesting” choices for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, despite the Dutchman leading the Red Devils to the FA Cup trophy on Saturday.
The 54-year-old United boss is under contract until 2025, but his position at Old Trafford was plunged into doubt after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival.
Ratcliffe captured a minority stake purchase in the Premier League club in 2023 and his Ineos team took control of football operations at United as part of the deal.
Since the 71-year-old British billionaire became co-owner of the Red Devils, United have been making changes behind the scenes with different appointments.
Omar Berrada has become chief executive and Jason Wilcox has become technical director, while Jean-Claude Blanc was appointed to United’s board of directors.
Ten Hag’s future remains up in the air after a lacklustre season at Old Trafford, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
Howard on Ten Hag and Ratcliffe
Erik ten Hag still remains popular among Manchester United fans, despite the Red Devils being linked with several managers in recent months.
Ahead of the FA Cup final, reports emerged that the former Ajax boss would be axed from Old Trafford irrespective of winning or losing against Manchester City.
However, Ten Hag remains as United boss for the time being as speculation continues to mount on Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe bringing in a new manager.
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, Tim Howard is convinced that Ten Hag should still be sacked as United manager even after winning the FA Cup.
“It is brilliant to win an FA Cup – especially against City,” he wrote.
“But the overall assessment this United team and Erik ten Hag has to be taken over the last 12 months. And so far, everything Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have done has been incredibly planned out.
“I don’t see a world where they get to the last kick of the ball of the season and think: now let’s make a decision.
“I have said for a while that United need a change of manager. One game can’t save Ten Hag’s job.”
Howard’s two ‘interesting’ picks for Man Utd manager
England boss Gareth Southgate has been named among the managers linked with United ahead of his contract with the Three Lions expiring in December.
Roberto De Zerbi has also been linked with the Red Devils, with the 44-year-old Italian leaving Brighton at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who previously worked on the United coaching staff, has also been reported as another target for the Red Devils.
Howard suggested that the two “interesting” picks to replace Ten Hag would be Brentford boss Thomas Frank or former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“Kieran McKenna has been mentioned. So has Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank – basically anybody who’s in vogue seems to get mentioned,” he said.
“For me, the interesting ones are Frank and Pochettino. Pochettino has gravitas and an identity – it’s shocking that he’s available.
“And then there’s Frank. His teams are creative with set pieces, they build out of the back, they press at a really high tempo – and, without any disrespect, he’s done that at Brentford.
“Can you imagine what he could do with world-class players?
“There is no middle ground for Manchester United. Competing for the top four? Give me a break. They need to be competing for titles.”