Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 10-man Manchester United next manager shortlist is already facing challenges
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a big decision to make once the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City culminates at the back end of this month.
We are at the stage now that even if United win the FA Cup, there are no guarantees Erik ten Hag will remain his job. It is very probable that we see a repeat of Louis van Gaal's exit at Wembley Stadium and like his departure, there will be a tinge of sadness if the current manager leaves.
Ten Hag will go down as one of those 'what if' managers at Old Trafford considering how he managed to set his Ajax team up prior to his arrival in Manchester. But, amid all the change occurring at United under Ratcliffe, there's a feeling that the 54-year-old's head could be next on the chopping block.
READ MORE: Mourinho to United return verdict
READ MORE: Southgate and Tuchel to United verdict
However, the list of possible replacements for the incumbent has its own pitfalls. For starters, of the ten names that emerged on a shortlist earlier this season, half - Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi, Ange Postecoglou, Gareth Southgate and Julian Nagelsmann - are unlikely to leave their current clubs in time for pre-season this summer.
In the case of Southgate, who is well thought of by INEOS, he will likely only depart the England national team once the Three Lions' European Championship campaign is over. By which point, it could be too late for United to appoint him and build a squad in time for next season.
Meanwhile, Amorim, De Zerbi, Postecoglou and Nagelsmann have all committed their immediate future to their teams which rules them out. Zinedine Zidane is the dream option for United but it still feels unlikely he would move to England never mind take on the project at Old
Read on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
