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Home > Blog Post > Detailed Analysis: Four Potential Candidates in Contention to Replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United

Detailed Analysis: Four Potential Candidates in Contention to Replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, job, Manchester United manager

The inevitable finally came to pass on Sunday morning as Manchester United formally announced the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as club manager. Amidst palpable discontent following the club’s inexcusable loss to Watford, speculation grew over Solskjaer’s imminent departure with the official announcement delivered the next morning.

The Norwegian leaves the club having nearly been three years at the helm, and is said to have received £7.5m in compensation, given his three-year contract renewal ahead of the ongoing campaign. However, Solskjaer’s backroom staff, including Kieran McKenna and Mike Phelan will assist Michael Carrick as he takes over as caretaker manager until the appointment of an interim or permanent manager.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United manager
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The board are said to be lacking a contingency plan but actively began searching for a new manager following the announcement on Sunday. With the club’s list of “suitable” candidates relatively narrow, as per reports, it remains to be seen if the United hierarchy makes a competent appointment.

Nevertheless, given the club’s stature and the alluring prospect of managing an opulent array of talent, Manchester United are likely to attract a distinguished manager with the hopes of stabilizing and salvaging the remainder of the campaign. Let us look at some potential managerial candidates who could replace Solskjaer.

1. Erik ten Hag (Current Club: Ajax, Netherlands)

Amongst the niche crop of upcoming managers deserving of a step-up from Ajax, Erik ten Hag is likely to seek an ambitious project following a highly successful stint in the Eredivisie. The Dutchman boasts of immense potential, having already won two league titles with Ajax and guided them to the Champions League semi-final since his appointment in 2017. Although Ten Hag committed to a new contract earlier this year, the Dutchman could seek a new club given his ambition to succeed at the highest level.

Erik ten Hag could potentially revive United’s footballing philosophy sharpened under Sir Alex Ferguson, provided he decides to leave the Eredivisie Champions mid-season. The Dutchman is said to have modeled his football philosophy on the likes of Johann Cruyff and Pep Guardiola – with whom he worked at Bayern Munich as the reserve team boss.

Erik Ten Hag, Dutch Manager, Manchester United manager
Image obtained via SkySports.com

The Dutchman’s commitment to developing a high-pressing system nurtured by quick passing, possession-based football, exploiting central areas whilst showing a willingness to attack down the flanks, alongside the integration of academy prospects could solve many of the existing concerns surrounding United’s shortcomings on the pitch.

The Dutchman is also known to be flexible in his approach, is a proven manager at the highest level, and is likely to paint a clear vision for success at a new club. However, compared to the supportive structure at his current club, a move to United may pose insurmountable challenges for Ten Hag. Although the Dutch manager possesses undeniable pedigree, the reluctance of Manchester United to explore imaginative solutions could emerge as a stumbling block in the club securing his services.

Honours:

  • 2x Eredivisie (2018/19 & 2020/21)
  • KNVB (2018/19 & 2020/21)
  • UEFA Champions League Semi-Finalist with Ajax (2018/19)

Notable Achievements:

  • 504 goals (2.7 per game) scored in 185 games by Ajax under his management.
  • 135 games (73.3%) won as Ajax manager since 2017.
  • 56 goals scored and 4 conceded by Ajax in the Eredivisie + UCL (2021/22)
  • 25 draws and the same number of defeats since being appointed as Ajax manager.

Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: Refreshing ideas, cultivating talent, a resonating brand of football.
  • Cons: Lack of squad rotation, untested in an ego-saturated environment, unproven at a club of the magnitude of United.

2. Zinedine Zidane (Current Club: N/A)

One of the first names on the list of possible replacements for Solskjaer, the Frenchman has already shown his capabilities, having guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles during his first stint as manager. In Zidane, Manchester United will have a manager capable of managing big names within the dressing room and a coaching set-up comprising of those having already tasted success in Spain and across the continent.

Under the Frenchman, United could potentially develop into a team unafraid to pass the ball forward, win the ball higher up the pitch, solidify their team shape and keep it compact at the back when not in possession. During his successful spell as Real Madrid’s manager, Zinedine Zidane presided over a team boasting of superstars and still managed to cultivate a competitive environment; empowering his players, whilst also maintaining fluid approach vis-à-vis formations and footballing philosophy.

Provided Zidane is deemed as a successor to Solskjaer, United will have a manager capable of managing a star-studded squad whilst potentially improving results on the pitch. However, given his commanding demeanour and reported unwillingness to consider the role, it remains unlikely that the Frenchman takes over at Old Trafford.

Zinedine Zidane is reportedly in line to be the next manager of Paris Saint-Germain or the French National Team. However, an appealing “winning project” such as United’s could prove to be a decisive factor in his decision going forward.

Honours:

  • 3x UEFA Champions League Titles (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)
  • 2x La Liga Titles (2016/17, 2019/20)
  • 2x Spanish Super Cups (2017/18, 2019/20)
  • 2x Club World Cup (2016/17, 2017/18)
  • 2x UEFA Super Cup (2016/17, 2017/18)

Notable Achievements: 

  • First manager and club (Real Madrid) to win three consecutive Champions League titles.
  • 2x World’s Best Club Coach Award winner (2016/17, 2017/18)
  • Longest unbeaten run in Spanish football (40 games)

Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: Demands respect and unites the dressing room, tactically adept, makes the right changes during the game.
  • Cons: Inexperienced in the Premier League, an anti-dote to United’s corporate structure, unwilling to consider the club’s offer.

3. Brendan Rodgers (Current Club: Leicester City, England)

Amongst the foremost names on United’s shortlist, Rodgers is, reportedly, the club’s “preferred” option provided he seeks to move away from Leicester mid-season. Known for his attractive brand of football, eye for talent and the ability to consistently develop and integrate promising talent from across the globe, it is no surprise the Northern-Irishman is earmarked as a candidate to further United’s “long-term project.”

Following his remarkable days at Swansea City, Liverpool, and Celtic, Rodgers has displayed consistent improvement and adaptation over his managerial career, most notably delivering Leicester City’s first major honour (F.A Cup 2020/21) since their league title in 2016.

Moreover, with him as manager, Manchester United are likely to improve across all areas on the pitch, given Rodgers’ outstanding ability to inject an adaptive, modern footballing philosophy, provide opportunities to youth players and develop a structure founded on controlling possession, encouraging attacking football and build a team based upon the unshakeable balance in the midfield position.

Provided the Red Devils succeed in luring Rodgers to Old Trafford, the Northern-Irishman could instantly dismantle many of the team’s impediments whilst drawing up a long-term plan for success on the pitch. However, given the difference in the two clubs’ modus operandi and his commitment to succeed with the Foxes, it remains to be seen if Rodgers seeks a move to Man United.

Honours:

  • 1x F.A Cup (2020/21)
  • 2 xScottish Champion & Scottish Cup Winner (2016/17, 2017/18)
  • 3x Scottish League Cup Winner (2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19),
  • 1x Community Shield (2021/22)

Notable Achievements: 

  • Developed Leicester City into a consistent contender for top-four
  • Nearly won the Premier League title as Liverpool manager in 2013/14 (Secured the club’s Champions League qualification for the first time since 2009/10)
  • Became the first manager in Celtic’s history to win their opening three games against Rangers

Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: Proven tactician and a dependable man manager, keen on changing approach and excellent game-management.
  • Cons: Conditional support by the United hierarchy, unlikely to wield great power in recruitment, untested in a demanding environment.

4. Mauricio Pochettino (Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Reportedly, the only candidate in United’s shortlist “open” to move clubs mid-season, and garnering the most support from the Red Devils’ hierarchy, Pochettino emerges as the likeliest candidate to be appointed as the Red Devils’ permanent manager in the immediate future. Having been strongly linked to replace Solskjaer previously, before committing to Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentinian remains admired by many figures at Old Trafford, thus, increasing his prospects of taking over as club manager.

Although Pochettino lacks a pedigree in winning trophies, the Argentinian is renowned for his commendable contribution during his years at Tottenham Hotspur and remains amongst the most coveted coaches in world football.

Known for his flexible approach and ability to extract the best out of his players, the Argentinian will undeniably improve and cultivate optimism in a side lacking confidence, a clear direction, and failing to perform their roles diligently. Additionally, Pochettino could potentially refurbish Solskjaer’s primary 4-2-3-1 formation, given his comparatively proactive approach, integration of technical players, and commitment to developing a high-pressing, possession-based and quick build-up system.

Given the unstable environment surrounding his current club, Pochettino could strongly consider a move to United in the coming days. With Zinedine Zidane, reportedly, inline to replace him at PSG, Pochettino’s desire combined with the United hierarchy’s admiration could be the determining factor in his return to the Premier League.

However, given the convolutions surrounding the management of players at his current club, provided PSG resist United’s attempts at securing his services, the Argentinian is unlikely to take over as Manchester United manager until next summer.

Read More:

Honours:

  • 1x French Cup Winner (2020/21)
  • 1x French Super Cup Winner (2020/21)

Notable Achievements:

  • Guided Spurs to their highest Premier League standing (2nd) in 54 years – 86 points (2016/17)
  • Known for working with a limited budget and extracting the most out of his personnel
  • UEFA Champions League finalist with Spurs (2018/19) – First UCL final appearance in the club’s history

Pros & Cons:

  • Pros: Significantly improves players, exceptional man-manager, a modern philosophy, experience in managing player egos.
  • Cons: Lack of squad rotation, unlikely to sustainably challenge for honours, questionable scope for improvement.

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