Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United are at a crucial juncture, needing a manager who can revitalise the club and immediately improve their fortunes in the Premier League.
While there is no shortage of talented managers within club football, United’s challenge is to find one with the right blend of tactical acumen, man-management skills, and long-term vision.
Who could they turn to?
Unai Emery
Currently at Aston Villa, Unai Emery has built a reputation as a meticulous tactician with a knack for overhauling clubs and making them competitive on multiple fronts. He had successful stints with Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, and Villarreal and took Aston Villa back to the Champions League for the first time in decades by finishing in the top four last season.
Emery specialises in creating balanced, compact teams that excel both defensively and offensively. His European track record speaks for itself, boasting four Europa League titles.
While Emery’s pragmatic style may not always produce exhilarating football, his adaptability and strategic mindset could turn United into serious competitors across all fronts.
Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank’s work with Brentford has made him one of the Premier League’s most respected managers.
Under his leadership, Brentford transitioned from a mid-table Championship side to a formidable force in the Premier League, known for their intensity, well-drilled defence, and cohesive team structure. Frank’s Brentford play an entertaining brand of football, marked by high pressing, quick transitions, and tactical flexibility. They are also an innovative team from set pieces which is a tool that Manchester United could benefit from too.
His approach to player development and his ability to get the best out of his squad—often under budget constraints—could be exactly what United need especially at a time when cuts have been made across the club.
With a bigger budget and access to top-tier talent, Frank could help United build a young, high-energy team capable of competing at the highest level.
Gareth Southgate
Although, Gareth Southgate is primarily known for his work with the England national team rather than at club level, he has been heavily linked with Manchester United and has previously worked with Dan Ashworth at the FA.
Southgate led England to the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the Euro 2020 and 2024 finals.
While his experience at the club level is limited, his ability to manage big personalities and foster a positive dressing-room atmosphere is commendable.
Southgate’s familiarity with English talent and understanding of young players could benefit a United squad brimming with potential. His emphasis on unity and structure might bring much-needed consistency and stability to a team that often struggles with defensive frailties.
He would not be a popular appointment among the clubs fanbase if social media and opinion polls conducted by various newspapers are to be believed.
Xavi
Xavi steadily restored FC Barcelona’s identity by promoting youth players from their academy set up and committing to possession based playing style.
Having managed Barcelona; he also understands the intricacies of managing elite players under high-pressure conditions.
Manchester United fans, long craving an attractive brand of football, could find Xavi’s style enticing.
His philosophy could help shape United’s, talented midfielders, such as Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, into more cohesive and tactically intelligent players.
Xavi could bring a long-term vision that resonates with United’s tradition of playing beautiful, attacking football but he struggled towards the end of his reign in charge of Barcelona
Callum McFadden 