Manchester United could opt to bring in Jule Lopetegui should they part way with Erik ten Hag
Unless Erik ten Hag can turn around Manchester United’s fortunes quickly, he could very well become the latest casualty of the Old Trafford transfer roulette.
As things stand, the Carabao Cup holders are enduring a difficult campaign on all fronts. Much was expected of Ten Hag following an excellent debut campaign where he led them to silverware and also secured a top-four finish.
However, they have since failed to push on and have in fact, taken a couple of steps back. Manchester United finished bottom of their UEFA Champions League group, being eliminated from European competitions altogether while they also failed to get their defence of the Carabao Cup going.
With Liverpool at Anfield up next, they could find themselves further behind in the race for a top-four finish this season. Defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side have seen both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer get the sack in recent times and Ten Hag could be the next.
According to Dean Jones via GiveMeSport, Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui could be his replacement. With Sir Jim Ratcliffeset to take over soon, Ten Hag could find himself increasingly under the microscope should results fail to pick up.
Whether it is a contingency or just taking predatory steps, United appear to have earmarked two candidates to succeed the Dutchman- Graham Potter and Lopetegui. Both have considerable experience having managed in the Premier League in the past.
Jones believes Lopetegui is the better choice and has also thrown Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi’s name into the mix. Lopetegui did a decent job at Wolves before parting ways with them ahead of the 2023-24 season. He would be itching to prove himself and being able to turn the tide at the Theatre of Dreams could set him up well.
The 57-year-old is not a stranger to managing big dressing rooms having enjoyed stints at Real Madrid, Porto, Spain and Sevilla among others. He led Sevilla to the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League title, beating Manchester United 2-1 in the semifinal.
Whether the club opt to part ways with Ten Hag or not, there is much work to be done if the Red Devils are to once again be counted amongst the content’s elite football clubs.
Eric has lost it, made wrong decisions throughout, was at the blink of selling Harry and Scott, all the players that he has recruited at a very high prices have flopped
Team selection is offal, relationship with his players is something we can not talk about.
It’s time to say bye
Yes, go for Julen Lopetegui, as he has vast experience and also managed in the Premier League and though of quiet demeanour, he will be up for the task, to get Manchester United going again.
If he can get the team to play good football and avoid defeat, even a draw will pile up the points to a respectable level.
With his coaching and experience, if the team can reach the top 4 and consolidate that position until the next break, coupled with no other distraction, except the FA Cup,
it will augur well for the rest of the season.
From that position, and with maybe with some proper loan recruitments, a sustained run of success will ensure a salvaged campaign for this season.