Michael Owen sums up Sir Jim Ratcliffe's biggest problem if Man Utd sack Ten Hag

08 March 2024 , 08:26

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to make a decision on Erik ten Hag's future this summer (Image: PA)

Michael Owen claims there is a lack of quality candidates available to Manchester United if they do opt to sack Erik ten Hag.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival has cast fresh doubt over the Dutchman's position beyond this season. Ten Hag will have only been at the helm for two years but he's been unable to build on a promising first season and United look set to miss out on the Champions League.

Ten Hag's recruitment decisions have also copped criticism, as has the lack of a playing style. Ratcliffe has already begun making appointments off the pitch and some feel as though he may want his own man in the dugout so that he can start a fresh.

Axing the Dutchman would leave United chiefs looking for a new manager but many of the elite names out there are in jobs or want time away. So far, the likes of Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been mentioned but Owen is not convinced by the names available.

He said: "I can see why Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been mentioned but I don’t think it’s the most amazing list of available managers out there at the moment when you consider all the big jobs that could potentially come up for grabs in the summer.

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"If I was a Manchester United fan I would want somebody that is going to play and set up something in a distinct way and work towards that. There are lots of managers out there that have an identity in terms of style of play. If I was a Manchester United fan that is what I would want."

Dan Ashworth, who is Ratcliffe's target as sporting director, is understood to have held talks with Potter. He saw his stock rise impressively at Brighton but endured a horror time at Chelsea, which has cast doubt over whether he could cut it at a top club.

Graham Potter is among those being considered as a replacement for Erik ten Hag (AFP via Getty Images)

Tuchel meanwhile has Premier League experience with the Blues, guiding them for just shy of two years before he was axed. During his tenure he delivered the Champions League and got to an FA Cup final, finishing third in his only full season at Stamford Bridge.

United have been starved of success with Ten Hag's Carabao Cup the only trophy they've won since 2017. Big name managers have been unable to make them a dominant force once again with Ratcliffe set to make his first major call in the dugout this summer.

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Samuel Meade