Man Utd begin new manager search – shortlist confirmed, ‘thorough’ process, talks start
Man Utd begin new manager search – shortlist confirmed, ‘thorough’ process, talks start
Manchester United have begun their search for a new permanent manager, with several high-profile names in the frame to take over from Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.
United have been without a permanent boss since the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, with Rangnick only installed on an interim basis until the end of May.
At the end of the campaign, the 63-year-old German will move upstairs into a two-year consultancy role, allowing a new man to take the helm at Old Trafford.
According to The Athletic, the process to find Rangnick’s successor is now underway, and a shortlist of candidates has been identified.
Efforts are now being made to spark preliminary conversations with the runners and riders as United search for their fifth permanent manager of the post-Fergie era.
The Red Devils will then run through various other stages in the hope that a ‘thorough procedure’ will allow them to get the new man in place with plenty of time before the start of the 2022-23 season.
Several high-profile names have been linked with the job since the departure of Solskjaer, including former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
Both men are understood to be among United’s options.
However, United’s desire to ‘arrange preliminary conversations’ over a new boss could be made difficult by the situations both men currently find themselves in.
Both men manage clubs in PSG and Ajax that are in contention for honours at home and in Europe, making discussions potentially difficult.
It was reported last week that some United players want Old Trafford chiefs to step up their pursuit of Pochettino, while Ten Hag is one of the most sought-after young coaches on the continent.
Another name who has been mentioned in connection with the vacancy in recent months is Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers is still among the favourites in the betting, although his once sky-high stock has fallen as the Foxes have struggled in the Premier League.
After consecutive fifth-place finishes, Leicester are now closer to the relegation places than the top-four as injuries have taken their toll.
United will be hoping that whoever their new boss is, they will be able to come in and lead the side in the Champions League next season.
However, that is far from a forgone conclusion with Arsenal, West Ham, Tottenham and Wolves all in the running for that final ticket into Europe’s elite competition.
Paul Pogba and co. did their chances no harm on Sunday afternoon, with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Leeds at Elland Road putting them four points clear of the Hammers in fifth.
