BREAKING NEWS: “Erik Ten Hag has given it his all, but his tenure is over. His successor is among the top managers in football, and I’m eager to see what he will accomplish at Old Trafford,” stated Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is allegedly set to appoint a controversial figure as the leading candidate to take over from Ten Hag.

Erik Ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Manchester United due to the club’s lackluster start to the season, raising doubts about his future. After leading the team to an unexpected FA Cup final win against Manchester City, he was rewarded with a new contract. However, the club’s leadership emphasized that the victory was only the beginning, expecting both consistent results and an improved overall team performance.

Despite these expectations, Ten Hag has struggled to deliver. In the Premier League, United has had a mixed start, winning only two of their first five matches. The team’s 2-1 loss to Brighton and a 3-0 home defeat to their rivals Liverpool have further increased the pressure on the Dutch manager. These setbacks have drawn intense scrutiny, with many now questioning his ability to lead the team.

The problems extend beyond domestic competitions, as Manchester United’s performances in the UEFA Europa League have also been disappointing. A recent 1-1 home draw against FC Twente has only added to concerns, with reports suggesting that club executives are evaluating their options. As Ten Hag’s position becomes more uncertain, rumors about potential replacements have begun to circulate.

One name that has surfaced as a potential successor is former England manager Gareth Southgate. Despite his mixed tenure with the national team, where he was criticized for failing to win major tournaments despite multiple final appearances, Southgate is reportedly favored by key figures at Manchester United. Sir David Brailsford and sporting director Dan Ashworth are among those who view him as a strong candidate if the club chooses to part ways with Ten Hag.

The idea of Southgate managing Manchester United is likely to divide fans. Supporters may appreciate his experience managing in high-pressure situations and his ability to build cohesive teams. However, his critics argue that his cautious tactics and missed opportunities with England raise doubts about his ability to lead United back to success.

As the situation grows more precarious for Ten Hag, he must urgently improve results to secure his position. If the team’s performances do not turn around quickly, United’s leadership may decide to make a change, with Southgate possibly stepping into one of football’s most challenging roles.