Manchester United are reportedly considering appointing Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui as a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
A report from Caught Offside has claimed that Manchester United have been in touch with Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui regarding a potential move to replace Erik ten Hag at the helm at Old Trafford.
Lopetegui has previously managed in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he is keen to return to England again. The report states that a Premier League job is his priority next season, and it will be interesting to see if Manchester United provide him with an opportunity.
Nottingham Forest have been linked with the former Real Madrid manager as well, and it remains to be seen where he ends up. Lopetegui certainly has the pedigree and the experience to manage a big club like Manchester United. He has previously managed one of the biggest clubs in the world in Real Madrid.
The Red Devils could look to pursue a change of scenery in the coming months, and he could be an interesting appointment. Erik ten Hag has not been able to deliver the goods this season, and it will not be surprising if Manchester United decide to draw curtains on his time at the club.
While he has introduced some fresh ideas and an exciting brand of football, the results have been quite disappointing this season, and the big-money signings have not worked out. Manchester United need to be more efficient with their transfers and approach on the pitch to win major trophies in the coming seasons. Bringing in a new manager could certainly lift the spirits around the club, and Lopetegui is admired around Europe.
With that said, it seems unlikely that Manchester United will sack the Dutchman right now. So, they are likely to wait until the summer before taking a decision. It will be interesting to see if Erik ten Hag can turn things around by then and convince the club hierarchy to persist with him.
There is no doubt that he is a quality manager, and he has shown that with Ajax in the past. He also guided Manchester United to a top-three finish last year. The Red Devils backed him significantly in the transfer market as well. But things have not gone according to plan for the Dutchman this season.
While some of his key players have been under performing, the Manchester United manager could certainly do more to get the best out of his players. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few months.
If Manchester United miss out on Champions League qualification, there is a high probability that they could look to make a change and it will be interesting to see if Julen Lopetegui is appointed as the club’s next manager.
