Manchester United are mulling over a shock move for Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl next season.
According to a report from the Mirror, Ralph Hasenhuttl has emerged as a potential managerial target for Manchester United. Thanks to his excellent relationship with Ralf Rangnick, the Manchester United board are taking a closer look at the progress he has made at Southampton and a summer move to Old Trafford could be on the horizon.
Formerly of Ingolstadt, Hasenhuttl has enjoyed immense success since his move to Southampton in December 2018. In just over three years at the club, the Austrian tactician has developed a reputation for playing aggressive, attacking football and has received praise for his side’s ability to take on the big guns.
It has made him a compelling target for Manchester United, who are currently on the hunt for a new manager in the summer, as confirmed by the club’s footballing director John Murtough.
The Red Devils have reportedly approached Ajax mastermind Erik ten Hag over a potential move in the summer. But the Dutchman could be a difficult target given the demand for him, with Real Madrid also likely to hunt for a new manager next season. The same can be said for Mauricio Pochettino as well, forcing Manchester United to consider potential alternatives.
Hasenhuttl fits the bill well, given his strong relationship with Ralf Rangnick. In fact, it was Rangnick who brought Hasenhuttl to Leipzig back in 2016. He was tasked with the responsibility of guiding Leipzig after their promotion to the Bundesliga, with the Austrian notably helping Die Roten Bullen finish second in their first season in the top-flight.
While Hasenhuttl was eventually sacked at Leipzig, he has once again showcased his quality at Southampton and could be set for a reunion with Rangnick at Manchester United. The two have excellent knowledge of European football and could potentially combine well to help the Red Devils restore their lost glory.
At the same time, though, Hasenhuttl doesn’t have the experience of managing a European elite, and that is where someone like Pochettino may have the upper hand. Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, can offer more in terms of tactical identity and nurturing young players, so it will be interesting to see how the Manchester United board plan their future in the coming summer.
