Erik ten Hag’s job as Manchester United manager is under question after overseeing the club’s worst start to a season in 61 years.
The Dutchman does, however, have credit in the bank after overachieving in his debut season with a Carabao Cup triumph and a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Despite a poor run of form in 2023/24 so far, Ten Hag has managed to make it to the November international break with four league wins from five seeing United into the Premier League top six, with the manager’s job safe for the time being.
But with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to take sporting control of the club after buying a 25% stake in the club from the Glazers, there could be changes afoot at Old Trafford – the manager’s position among them. The Sporting News explores the future in the United dugout.
MORE: Who is new Man United stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
Next Man United manager odds, favourites
One of the favourites, according to the bookmakers, to become the next permanent Manchester United manager is a man who makes arguably the most sense: Graham Potter. The Englishman was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after a short and disappointing spell in charge, but there have been reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe would like him at the club.
Zinedine Zidane is another name that’s been linked with United for a few years now. The former Real Madrid boss has not taken a new coaching role since leaving Los Blancos in 2021, but has a glittering managerial CV that includes three Champions League titles.
Roberto De Zerbi is another possible candidate after his impressive work at Brighton & Hove Albion over the past 12 months. The Italian replaced Potter in 2022 and has even been tipped to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Former United man Michael Carrick is another possible future boss, having impressed in the Middlesbrough job.
Odds relevant as of Sunday, November 19 via Sky Bet
| Manager | Odds |
| Graham Potter | 4/1 |
| Zinedine Zidane | 4/1 |
| Roberto De Zerbi | 10/1 |
| Antonio Conte | 14/1 |
| Julen Lopetegui | 14/1 |
| Michael Carrick | 14/1 |
Manchester United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson
If Manchester United were to appoint a new manager, they would be the eighth coach to take charge of a United team following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in May 2013, including interim managers Ryan Giggs and Ralf Rangnick. Carrick also had a three-game spell, but that was as a caretaker boss.
| Manager | Honours | Games managed |
| David Moyes | Community Shield | 51 |
| Ryan Giggs (interim) | — | 4 |
| Louis van Gaal | FA Cup | 103 |
| Jose Mourinho | Community Shield, Europa League, League Cup | 144 |
| Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | — | 168 |
| Ralf Rangnick (interim) | — | 29 |
| Erik ten Hag | League Cup | * |
* Still manager of the club
Man United next match, fixtures: The games for Ten Hag to save his job
Ten Hag must oversee an improvement in both performances and results to ensure the stability of his position going into 2024.
The upcoming matches could play a crucial role in determining his future. A trip to Galatasaray may decide United’s Champions League fate as they currently sit bottom of Group A. They then have to travel to both St James’ Park and Anfield as well as hosting Chelsea and Bayern Munich in December.
Man United next match, fixtures
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Result |
| Sat, Oct. 7 | Premier League | Brentford (H) | 2-1 W |
| Sat, Oct. 21 | Premier League | Sheffiled United (A) | 2-1 W |
| Tues, Oct. 24 | Champions League | Copenhagen (H) | 1-0 W |
| Sun, Oct. 29 | Premier League | Man City (H) | 3-0 L |
| Wed, Nov. 1 | Carabao Cup | Newcastle (H) | 3-0 L |
| Sat, Nov. 4 | Premier League | Fulham (A) | 1-0 W |
| Wed, Nov. 8 | Champions League | Copenhagen (A) | 4-3 L |
| Sat, Nov. 11 | Premier League | Luton (H) | 1-0 W |
| Sat, Nov. 25 | Premier League | Everton (A) | — |
| Wed, Nov. 29 | Champions League | Galatasaray (A) | — |
| Sat, Dec. 2 | Premier League | Newcastle (A) | — |
| Wed, Dec. 6 | Premier League | Chelsea (H) | — |
| Sat, Dec. 9 | Premier League | Bournemouth (H) | — |
| Tue, Dec. 12 | Champions League | Bayern Munich (H) | — |
| Sun, Dec. 17 | Premier League | Liverpool (A) | — |