Amorim, Frank, Potter - Manchester United next manager verdict as Erik ten Hag handed update

With Thomas Tuchel now out of the frame, Manchester United’s list of potential successors for Erik ten Hag has slimmed further.

United had been lining up the German should they have wielded the axe on the current manager, and it was actually that interest which, in part, sped up England’s approach. Meanwhile, Ten Hag appears to have kept his job for now.

It seems very unlikely that the board would cut ties with only a few days to go before United welcome Brentford, and MEN Sport understands that the coach himself expected to be in the dugout this weekend. The fixture list looks kinder for the next batch of games until the next pause, but the pressure remains.

READ MORE: What Thomas Tuchel did on day of United meeting might reveal Erik ten Hag truth

READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson meets former Manchester United colleague after Ineos decision announced

Yet more poor form will see the screw tighten on Ten Hag and may corner the board into a sack decision. A major consideration in that will be who is available to replace the Dutchman.

So, if Ten Hag’s position ultimately becomes untenable, who should United line up? Be it short or long term, our writers have their say below.

Isaac Johnson

Tuchel would have been an upgrade on Ten Hag but was, also, by no means a perfect fit for United. The historic fallouts with club boards and terse nature indicated a risk of friction.

If Ten Hag is to be shown the door, then I would envisage Ruud van Nistelrooy taking interim charge until a long-term successor is found. In his short time at PSV Eindhoven, his only senior management role to date, he lifted the Dutch cup and the equivalent of the Community Shield.

With over 250 games more of management under his belt, fellow assistant - and close friend of Ten Hag - Rene Hake is arguably the more-readied option but his appointment would not bring supporters back on side like Van Nistelrooy would, which the hierarchy may factor into any decision they make.

As for the reports of Zinedine Zidane, that's rather pie in the sky. World Cup-winning teammate Emmanuel Petit told me this week that 'Zizou' would be very cautious about the job at United, who have little to offer right now.

Isaac Seelochan

It feels inevitable that Van Nistelrooy will become United manager on an interim basis. at some point this season. How he gets on should decide who the next manager is.

There will be inevitable comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but if Van Nistelrooy shows a clear style of play and impressive results, then he would certainly be a more sensible appointment. You just have to look at what Arsenal have done with Mikel Arteta as the blueprint of what success with a less experienced manager can look like. Albeit, United will want more trophies to go with it.

Ruben Amorim would be another exciting option and Manchester City's reported interest should tell you all you need to know about how good the Portuguese is. Other than those two options, I don't think there's anyone out there that would excite me, so it's easy to see in some ways why Ineos haven't made a change yet.

Amie Wilson

The lack of potential replacements is probably one of the reasons that Ten Hag is still United manager. Of course, Van Nistelrooy could be an option with the former striker already at the club as Ten Hag's assistant, but his lack of managerial experience would worry me.

For me, it will probably be between one of either Graham Potter and Brentford manager, Thomas Frank. Potter is the one with the availability, but his struggles at Chelsea raise concerns over if he can have success at a 'big club'. I'd, therefore, be tempted to sound out Brentford for Frank.

The 51-year-old has been with the Bees since 2018 and, over that time, has led them to promotion to the Premier League, as well as establishing themselves in the top division. While convincing Brentford to part ways with the manager could be difficult, the Dane might feel it's time for another challenge, and what better one than to revive one of the world's biggest clubs in United?

Tom Coley

There aren't many high-profile names for United to go for if they do move on from Ten Hag. Tuchel was, perhaps, the big one - but now that's gone they might have to get creative.

One character not really linked - but recently mentioned in conjunction with the (possible) vacant City role come next summer - is Amorim. He's a smart young coach who has attracted plenty of attention from Liverpool - not to mention Chelsea - recently.

His back-three style in Portugal might not translate that well to United, but he's also one of their most successful candidates. Elsewhere and Frank is a less glamorous option, but a really good one.

He has the ability to adapt, remain grounded, and provide a foundation to build from. It would certainly be a move away from the United of old towards an Ineos appointment. Van Nistelrooy is perhaps the most exciting name due to his connections with the club.

The former striker is also available right now, already employed at Old Trafford, and wouldn't cost a bomb like the others. Potter is free, but doesn't seem to have the personality to survive at a club like United. He'd be eaten alive.