Erik Ten Hag is not feeling very safe right now, as the Dutchman has failed to convince fans why he should keep being Manchester United manager. The club had a very good season in his debut year, but the current one has been full of trouble for him.
Being out of every competition excluding the FA Cup and still far out of reach for Champions League soccer, Ten Hag is not assuring fans of his capabilities. With new owners in charge of the club, it seems a new change in the managerial role is also inbound.
Thiago Motta emerges as Erik Ten Hag replacement
According to the latest rumors, Bologna manager Thiago Motta is being labeled as one of the candidates to succeed Erik Ten Hag. The former midfielder has had quite a career as a player, and is now rising in reputation as a manager. He is currently taking Serie A side Bologna to new heights, with the quite unknown team now in 4th position and gunning for Champions League soccer.
On the other hand, Erik Ten Hag has had a disastrous season with Manchester United so far. The team are only 6th in the Premier League, while already being kicked out of European competitions. They have only the FA Cup to fight for, with a semi final clash against Coventry City awaiting.
🚨 Manchester United are interested in appointing Bologna coach Thiago Motta as a replacement for Erik Ten Hag.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 7, 2024
(Source: Gazzetta dello Sport) pic.twitter.com/oCl5IPPTKv
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had previously been said to be assessing options for a new manager. One of the rumors was that Ten Hag would have been considered to stay only if could ensure Champions League soccer and win the FA Cup as well. It seems that both may be out of the question and thus a search for a new manager is very much a reality. Motta’s contract also ends this summer, but United could face competition for his signature from both Juventus and Barcelona.
Comparing Erik Ten Hag, Thiago Motta’s league form this season
While there is a huge difference between the Premier League and Serie A, comparing both managers’ season shows a stark difference. Both Bologna and Manchester United have played out 31 games, with the former at 4th with 58 points, while United have only 49 points and are 6th.
Furthermore, both teams have scored 45 goals so far, which is quite impressive for Motta’s Bologna considering United have better attackers. However, on the defensive aspect, Bologna have only conceded 25 goals compared to United’s 46. Ten Hag’s men have also lost 12 games this season, while Bologna only 5 times.
With the season still far from over, both teams have more to prove. However, Erik Ten Hag will surely have a lot of pressure from now on and he needs to improve results soon. He will have a chance to do that when his team faces Bournemouth next Saturday.
