The inevitable daily guessing game began as we woke to another day of uncertainty and speculation at Manchester United.
The managerial situation remains unclear, with a mishmash of suggestions about the next victim for the English media machine.
Erik ten Hag, a two-time cup-winning manager in England, has declared his expectation to return to work.
Despite that, multiple reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his superteam of sporting aficionados are uncertain, with conversations held about potential replacements.
As of today, most of the previously favoured individuals are all but ruled out, with a relatively inexperienced club manager deemed to not align with a timeline.
Throughout this reported calamity, a scattergun approach has reared its head – sending supporters into a worrying frenzy about the ‘same old story’ at Old Trafford.
Is there any correlation between the reported alternatives for the Dutchman, or are United fans to expect an egregious decision under their best-in-class leadership?
England’s leading man
Gareth Southgate is England’s chief. He is the man tasked with bringing football home from Germany and a close friend of Sir Dave Brailsford.
In charge of The Three Lions since 2016, the Watford man has a deal that runs until December, with many suspecting the upcoming Championships to be his last attempt at International silverware.
He was an elite candidate due to his ability to adhere to a pre-agreed structure. However, according to the Mirror, the 20-time champions have moved on due to an incompatibility with his current timeline.
The news will be welcomed by many, with a lack of credible experience at the elite club level an unavoidable issue. It is worth noting the former Middlesbrough chief endured relegation in 2008-09 and managed a win ratio of 29.80% from 151 fixtures.
By all accounts, he is a genuine man and a pleasure to work with – but this is Manchester United, and a managerial appointment requires more than sentiment.
The German with a track record of bickering
With a catalogue of experience spanning over 17 years and six clubs, Thomas Tuchel has won silverware in Germany, France and England.
The veteran manager has a CV to match most and is available following his highly-publicised departure from Bayern Munich.
On paper – this is an appointment that would almost guarantee success – but that is on paper alone.
In reality, there is a worrying track record of disputes with hierarchy, inevitably leading to issues and departures.
Who am I to say that would have been the case at Old Trafford? We could see a manager reborn and a new brand of obedience when asked to comply with instructions.
But, when considering the contrasting impressions from Southgate to Tuchel – what sort of strategy are we even trying to comprehend here?
The inevitable links with a certain Argentinian
For as long as I can remember, Mauricio Pochettino has been a name that has surfaced with every managerial change in Manchester.
With a career that started in Spain before moving to England and France and back to the Premier League, the 52-year-old offers little certainty of success.
Sure, he has cultivated a CV that earned domestic success in France, but he also managed the side to a second-placed finish behind Lille.
Like Tuchel, he has Paris and Chelsea on his CV, and both clubs operate uniquely. His Chelsea departure was strange – but everything is odd in the blue side of London of late.
He argued with sporting directors at the Blues regarding squad management and strategy and received criticism for an ancient approach to his training.
Again, does this scream best-in-class for Ineos?
The Italian once linked with Madrid
Roberto De Zerbi left Brighton by mutual consent with a win ratio of 42.70%.
He inherited an impressive squad from Graham Potter and added his unique touch to enhance a group of talented players.
However, an amalgamation of player departures and injuries left his squad paper thin, and a refusal to alter his mindset led to internal conflict with the hierarchy.
He became vocal about the club’s recruitment strategy, and his disputes and differences with his superiors were deemed irreconcilable.
The 45-year-old is a talented coach, and many believe he could inherit Pep Guardiola’s throne at Manchester City.
But, during a summer when several clubs required a new coach, he was passed up by Bayern and Liverpool – leaving many to question his suitability at this stage of his career.
Furthermore, when we scaled back to Southgate, you could not find a manager further removed from the English chief.
An unusual scenario for an established business powerhouse
I feel confused composing this – as I have when attempting to comprehend any strategy behind the scenes at United.
There are little to no comparative traits among these four, without touching on alternative names like Thomas Frank, who has also found his way into the equation.
Supporters are used to daily headlines surrounding their club, but even this has become tedious to most.
Despite the reasoning surrounding the fact, there is an undeniable desire for Ten Hag to remain as manager.
His previous words are the only legitimate line from a club official, and he remained confident that his role would remain.
Amidst a barrage of daily nonsense and endless speculation, could we envisage a future where the coaching staff remains as is, and an FA Cup win can be a catalyst for success?
We can dream.
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