Man Utd 'identify two preferred managers' in Erik ten Hag vs Mauricio Pochettino repeat

Manchester United have reportedly pinpointed two leading candidates to replace Erik ten Hag this summer if they decide to sack the Dutchman following a disastrous second season in charge. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have a big call to make at the dawn of a new era after taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is under intense scrutiny after overseeing a startling regression from his successful maiden campaign at the helm.

United won just one of their six games and finished rock bottom of Group A in the Champions League behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

Their Carabao Cup defence ended at the second hurdle, as they lost 3-0 at home against Newcastle United in a fourth-round repeat of last season's final.

Premier League fortunes haven't been much brighter. After one win in seven games, the gap to the top four is almost unassailable, leaving United battling to avoid completely missing out on the European spots.

The FA Cup represents a chance for a second piece of silverware in as many years for Ten Hag. However, lifting the famous trophy didn't save Louis van Gaal in 2016, and his fellow Dutchman may suffer the same fate.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Much of the speculation surrounding Ten Hag's potential dismissal has been based on the options, or lack thereof, to replace him, given that multiple European heavyweights are eyeing new managers this summer.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are among the clubs making a change in the dugout, potentially leaving United with very few convincing options.

According to Manchester World, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi are the current frontrunners to succeed Ten Hag.

Potter is a free agent and has been out of work since Chelsea ended his nightmare tenure in April 2023. Despite his woes at Stamford Bridge, the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss is said to retain admirers at INEOS.