Here, we take a look at five managers who could replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should he be forced to leave Manchester United in the near future. Let us know if you agree!
It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for United fans since Solskjaer set sail as caretaker manager in 2018. There’s been a real inconsistency with times where United seemed unstoppable and times where Manchester United were walked over by clearly weaker sides.
The highpoint of Norwegian’s reign came with the incredible night in Paris, seeing his side reach the next round of the UEFA Champions League following a comeback that still gives any United fan goosebumps. With this audition, he captured a full-time contract in March 2019.
Now, over a year later, there is a big debate about whether the legendary striker should keep his job as manager. In this article, we will look at 5 potential managers who could succeed Ole in the role of Manchester United manager.
1. Mauricio Pochettino
A clear and obvious candidate for the role, with many fans questioning why the former Tottenham Hotspur manager wasn’t the successor of Jose Mourinho in 2018. After being sacked by the North-London club in 2019, there’s been non-stop speculation on whether the Argentinian will take the hot seat at Old Trafford in the near future.
Despite not having won any major silverware, Pochettino took his Tottenham side to a Champions League final after a magnificent comeback against Ajax. On top of this, the 48-year old has plenty of experience on his resume. Successful stints at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur made Pochettino a fan favourite everywhere he’s been.
An incredible win rate of 54.3% at Tottenham, a strong philosophy and a desire to return to the Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino could be the right man for the job.
2. Massimiliano Allegri
Another coach who has been at the midst of speculation ever since Jose Mourinho lost his job, Allegri has endured coaching roles across Italy with plenty of success. A five year-long term as Juventus manager saw Allegri win 5 Serie A titles, 4 Italian Cups and 2 Italian Super Cups. With these honours on his resume, he may be regarded as a serial winner.
Despite only coaching in Italy, Allegri has admitted to learning English and has said that since taking lessons in Milan, he is able “to speak quite well”. This would obviously be a key factor with Allegri taking charge at United and with his powerful team of backroom staff, he could stun the Premier League as United manager.
As well as this, according to the Daily Mail, if Allegri was to take over as manager of the Red Devils, he’d look to add Patrice Evra to his backroom staff. A great man to have amongst the dressing room, someone who knows what it means to play for the badge, and would do anything to see his team win.
3. Antonio Conte
The current Inter Milan coach seemed close to joining the reds in August as rumours erupted that he’d be leaving his role at the Italian club. Once again, with Solskjaer’s job on the line, the speculation begins again. According to the Express, Conte is one of three replacements lined up by United’s hierarchy if they decide to sack the Norwegian.
The Italian has plenty of Premier League experience after winning the title with Chelsea in the 2016/17 season. His success in England didn’t end there as he went on to win the FA Cup the season after, defeating United 1-0. It’s recently been suggested that a move to Old Trafford would actually be Conte’s dream.
A manager who has previous experience winning the Premier League could be the right man to lead United to their 21st title.
4. Diego Simeone
Once again, as suggested by the Express, the Atletico Madrid manager is one of three replacements lined up to replace Solskjaer. Managing since 2006, Simeone has been in charge of a number of Argentinian teams as well as Spanish side Atletico Madrid where he is currently stationed.
During his time in Madrid, Simeone has steered his side towards two Europa League titles as well as a Champions League final in the 2015/16 season. In terms of domestic success, he brought his team 3 domestic titles in his time at the club. At the time of writing, his side sit top of the LaLiga with two games in hand and they’ve qualified for the knockout stages of the UCL.
Diego Simeone’s character is very unique. It could be the right match to get United back on track and winning silverware once again.
5. Ralph Hasenhüttl
Former RB Leipzig manager and current manager of Southampton, Hasenhüttl has been brilliant at rebuilding teams. An impressive start to the Premier League campaign has seen Southampton climb to 5th at the time of writing. His clever tactics and amazing style of play took his side from relegation fighters to European fighters in less than 2 years of having the role.
His time at Southampton has shown he is able to work on a limited budget, which could work at United if he isn’t backed like Mourinho or Solskjaer. The experience that he already has amassed from working in the Premier League makes him a great candidate for the role at the Theatre of Dreams.
For all we know, a new manager might not be seen at Old Trafford for some time. With reports suggesting Ole is going to be supported, despite his turbulent form. However, should the results start to show that Solskjaer isn’t the right man for the job, perhaps one of these great managers will take over the role.
Originally published for The United Stand.
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