Man Utd’s ‘final two’ to become new manager before dramatic sack U-turn

Manchester United had settled on Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi as their top candidates to replace Erik ten Hag in 2024 before reversing their decision following an FA Cup final victory. According to a report by The Athletic, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos had prepared to dismiss Ten Hag after an eighth-place league finish, but opted to retain him following United's win over Manchester City.

Samuel Meade of the Daily Mirror highlights how that decision impacted the club's managerial trajectory, noting Ten Hag was ultimately dismissed nine league games into the following season. The piece also notes that Mauricio Pochettino was interviewed but ranked behind Tuchel and De Zerbi during the 2024 review process.