Manchester United face a major decision in the coming months as they seek to appoint a new manager.
They will be the fifth man to hold the reigns permanently since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking in December. Ralf Rangnick has taken interim charge in the months since, but is set to take up a consultancy role at Old Trafford. United have seen their rivals race clear in recent years and are in the midst of a lengthy trophy drought.
Not since the 2017 Europa League final have they claimed silverware which highlights their decline. Much has been made of the importance of the upcoming decisions as the club's top brass attempt to settle on a vision and appoint a man who aligns with their views. We take a look at the men in the frame for the Old Trafford hotseat and their chances of landing the job.
Mauricio Pochettino
The PSG boss has long been earmarked as a future United boss. His work at Tottenham put him firmly in the shop window and a lunchtime engagement with Sir Alex Ferguson only fuelled speculation regarding his future. The north London club withstood interest back in 2018 when he was initially the favourite to succeed Jose Mourinho, only for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to get the job.
Pochettino was sacked within a year of those Manchester links and, despite claiming silverware with PSG, his stock has not risen like many expected. Nevertheless his efforts in the Premier League have certainly left an impression on those on the red half of Manchester.
His marriage at PSG is far from a happy one and an amicable departure this summer appears increasingly likely. That could prove to United's advantage as they wouldn't have to pay any compensation. Despite that, given how this season has gone in Paris, there certainly are plenty of questions regarding the Argentine's capability at a leading outfit where success is expected.
Chances of getting the job - 8/10
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Erik Ten Hag
Alongside Pochettino the Dutchman has been highlighted as a key candidate for months. His work at Ajax back in the 2018/19 season firmly put him on the map as he led a young side to the last four of the Champions League, playing an exciting brand of football along the way.
Ten Hag is reportedly learning English as he prepares for a potential move and, after five years in Amsterdam, may be looking to test himself elsewhere. Questions may be asked as to whether he can operate without the brilliant structure around him. Ajax have the likes of Edwin Van der Sar in the background making excellent decisions - something he wouldn't enjoy at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless the pros seem to firmly outweigh the cons and Ten Hag has certainly benefited from working with Pep Guardiola in the past, which is evident in the way his team plays.
Chances of getting the job - 9/10
Thomas Tuchel
This seemed barely fathomable a few weeks ago but the uncertainty regarding Chelsea's future has seen him thrown into the mix. The German did underline his commitment to the Blues recently, saying: "I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team. I know there is a lot of noise around."
However stranger things have happened and new owners at Stamford Bridge may lead to a change of heart whilst we all know in football that money talks. Tuchel has proved himself in England, leading Chelsea to the Champions League last season. A faltering title charge this term is a frustration, but by no means lessens Tuchel's value.
A manager moving from one Premier League club to another, especially two of this size, would be a huge statement and a switch we haven't seen for decades. United though know they need to get this decision right and if they can weaken a rival in the process then that makes a swoop even more logical, but much will rest on Tuchel's willingness.
Chances of getting the job - 4/10
Brendan Rodgers
The Northern Irishman has been a victim of his own success this season. After being within a game or two of leading Leicester City to the Champions League the Foxes now sit in midtable. That shouldn't takeaway from the job Rodgers has done at the King Power however.
He is by no means the most marquee name United could pursue, but he certainly would jump at the chance in a way other managers may not. Rodgers' time at Liverpool was mixed but he has no doubt earned himself another shot with one of England's elite.
At Leicester he has also delivered silverware, beating United en route to the FA Cup in 2021, whilst he has shown both a pragmatic and idealistic approaches. There is talk of the Red Devils not seeking a quick fix - employing someone for the long haul - and that would no doubt further Rodgers' appeal.
Chances of getting the job - 4/10
Antonio Conte
The Italian is something of an enigma, but one that almost guarantees success if you give him what he wants. That in itself is dangerous and his CV doesn't suggest he stays anywhere for too long. Conte was the most impressive manager out of a job in the summer but United still didn't act.
The questions now are whether the Red Devils feel success is now even more vital and whether Conte's short Tottenham stint has furthered or lessened his appeal. Based on his words in the media it seems feasible that he could quit the north Londoners this summer, freeing him up to go elsewhere.
Several former United players spoke out against the Italian, who is not shy of airing his views publicly. With their rivals lightyears ahead however the Old Trafford board must decide what price they're willing to pay to close the gap. If that means hiring a man for two or three years and backing him with wing-backs then there are few better candidates than the Italian.
Chances of getting the job - 5/10
