Manchester United: Five managers who could replace Ole Gunnar Solksjaer if he's sacked
It hasn't been the greatest of starts for Manchester United this Premier League season and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under intense criticism following the results the side has seen. United have played three games and have lost two which includes the massive 1-6 drubbing they received from Tottenham Hotspur. Currently placed 16th on the points table, it looks like the Red Devils have a long season ahead. That said, there have been questions raised over Solksjaer's position in the team.
Multiple reports have been pouring in citing that his sacking is imminent with a few names being thrown into the ring for his replacement. The most recent being former Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino who was replaced by Jose Mourinho for the Spurs after a dismal start to the 2019 season. United aren't the only side with a keen interest in the Argentine manager as Manchester City are looking at bagging the gaffer with Pep Guardiola's contract set to expire.
It is safe to say Solksjaer might be running out of time as United chief, Ed Woodward looks to ring in change and we take a look at the potential people who can serve as a suitable replacement for Solksjaer:
Mauricio Pochettino
Status: Currently available
It was a poor send-off for the former Spurs man as he was replaced by Mourinho. According to The Mirror, Woodward “will have no hesitation firing” Solksjaer despite his decorated status at the club if he’s unable to turn around their poor start to the season. Pochettino is yet to win a Premier League trophy, but he does come in as an excellent choice with an immense experience. He took charge of the Spurs in 2014 and was their gaffer for a good five years.
Pochettinp has led the Spurs to the finals of the Champions League and top-three finishes in three of his first four seasons with Daniel Levy's team. His high-pressing, attacking style of football with a 4-3-2-1 formation along with man-management skills was praised by players under him and there's a good chance he might be the most favored to take Solksjaer's place.
Massimiliano Allegri
Status: Currently available
Making headlines since last week was Allegri. Thomas Tuchel was touted to be on his way out after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires next summer and Allegri with Pochettiino were some of the speculative names thrown up. The Italian manager who spent the majority of his career as a midfielder for multiple Italian clubs and started off his coaching career in 2003. He was instrumental in helping Milan their maiden Serie A title since the 2003–04 season.
Allegri is best known for being part of Juventus' outfit he joined in 2014. The club won four consecutive domestic doubles between 2015 and 2018 making him the only manager to pull off that feat in the top five European leagues. His tactical awareness and winning attitude garnered wide praise and that's a necessity for the Red Devils at the moment.
Thomas Tuchel
Status: Manages PSG
That Tuchel might call time with PSG by the end of the summer doesn't come as a surprise following his feud with sporting director Leonardo. Earlier, there was public criticism of how he oversaw the players' recruitment and that may have just triggered an exit plan. Barring that bit of unrest though, he has won two league titles, including a domestic quadruple in the second, and guided PSG to its first-ever Champions League Final.
Known for his flair and a 4-3-3 play, Tuchel was termed as an attacking coach especially with his usage of wide forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. He is a firm proponent of Gegenpressing, the skill of recovering possession of the ball if lost rather than regrouping. This ensures minimal time loss and an opportunity to peg the opposition back.
Sean Dyche
Status: Manages Burnley
Dyche has slowly, but steadily made strides with Burnley. Taking over for the side in 2012, he has taken the club back to two promotions to top-tier Premier League football in three seasons. It still remains how United could pull him out of Burley as he signed a new contract with Burnley to remain as manager until the summer of 2022 in 2018. Since his signing, he has led the side to seventh place and the team ended qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in over half a century since 1974.
Ryan Giggs
Status: Manages the Wales National Team
The former United man has been in the news for potentially taking over Solksjaer as the manager of the Red Devils. An upward trend with the Wales team has seen him as one of the prime contenders for the job. According to the Manchester Evening News, Mark Hughes reckoned if Wales had a great run at the Euro 2020, Giggs would soon be coaching United. "Ryan is in a good place in his management career," he said. "Maybe they felt his management CV wasn't strong enough at that point, but if he goes to the European Championship and does well, then there's no reason why he won't be in the frame."
Giggs has led the team to a second-place finish in their qualifying group as they went ahead of Slovakia to make it to the European tournament.
Who do you think will succeed Solksjaer as United's next coach?