Ten Hag sack: Ex-Prem boss ‘awaits’ Man Utd ‘offer’ with him the ‘main alternative’ to costly duo
According to recent reports, Julen Lopetegui, the former head coach of Wolves and Real Madrid, is expressing a strong interest in taking over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Ten Hag had an impressive first season at Manchester United, but mounting pressure and their dismal start to the current campaign have put him among the top contenders in the Premier League’s managerial sack race.
The Red Devils managed to return to the win column on Saturday night, narrowly defeating Fulham thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ late goal.
However, it was far from a convincing performance, and they would have likely lost if Fulham had been more clinical.
Manchester United has already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup and is facing a serious risk of exiting the Champions League.
They also have a daunting task ahead in the race for a top-four finish, sitting five points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. It’s evident that a significant turnaround is needed for Ten Hag to remain in charge beyond this season.
According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), Lopetegui is actively seeking to take over from Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The 57-year-old coach is widely respected in Europe and had a remarkable stint at Wolves last season, helping them avoid relegation from the Premier League with ease.
Lopetegui parted ways with Wolves in the summer due to disagreements with the board over transfers, and AS reports that he is “awaiting the call” from Manchester United.
With Ten Hag’s position at the club described as “hanging by a thread,” Lopetegui is “waiting to receive offers” from Premier League sides.
Reports suggest that the Manchester United hierarchy views Lopetegui favorably and considers him the “main alternative” to Unai Emery and Zinedine Zidane, both of whom are deemed “costly” options.
Earlier this week, Gabby Agbonlahor explained why he believes it would be “impossible” for Emery to leave Aston Villa for Manchester United.
He highlighted Emery’s success at Villa, the strong relationship with the club’s owners, the unbeaten home record in the Premier League, and the overall positive atmosphere at the club, making it unlikely for him to leave for the turbulent situation at Manchester United.
