19 December 2023 , 18:26
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Manchester United have been told to appoint ex- Liverpool star Xabi Alonso instead of Graham Potter as Erik ten Hag's replacement.
The Dutchman has come under huge pressure at Old Trafford this term. The Red Devils have already been eliminated from Europe after a rotten Champions League campaign.
They also sit seventh in the Premier League table after losing seven out of their opening 17 league games. It has been suggested that the former Chelsea and Brighton boss could be appointed as Ten Hag’s replacement by incoming shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Liverpool icon Steve McManaman is not convinced. He believes that former Reds midfielder Alonso would prove a far better fit at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Betfred, he said: "Why not pick a manager that has just won the league somewhere? Why not go for Xabi Alonso who’s at the top of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen?
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"Why go for a manager that’s been out of work for eight months and had a failed experience at Chelsea? I’m not saying this is a failure on the behalf of Graham Potter.
"I thought Chelsea treated Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter terribly, but I would be very surprised if the latter was on the shortlist for Manchester United. I don’t believe Erik ten Hag will even leave Manchester United, but I’d be incredibly surprised if Graham was on the shortlist for one of the biggest jobs in world football."
Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has impressed during his time with Bayer Leverkusen (Getty Images)Should Man United sack Erik ten Hag? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Alonso is earning plenty of plaudits for his work with Bayer Leverkusen this season. He has the German side sitting four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after an undefeated start to the season.
They also booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the Europa League after topping their group. Alonso has previously been touted as Jurgen Klopp's potential successor at Liverpool.
Another Reds icon John Barnes has not been left particularly convinced that he could take over. Speaking with Wettbasis, he said: “Alonso is doing a great job at Leverkusen but Klopp is going to be at Liverpool for a few more years. And when he [Klopp] decides to leave, if Alonso is at a mid-table Spanish team I don’t think he’s going to come to Liverpool.”
Alonso currently has two-and-a-half years left on his contract with Leverkusen after signing an extension in August. There is however reportedly a clause that would allow him to leave for Real Madrid, Liverpool or Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025. He will be aiming to guide the Red Devils to victory this weekend after their draw with Liverpool as they take on West Ham.