“I know it’s a quick fix” - Paul Merson names manager who can bring success to Manchester United after replacing Ten Hag
Paul Merson has named a manager for Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag if the Dutch tactician is sacked at the end of the season.
It has been a rather topsy-turvy 2023-24 campaign for the Red Devils with Ten Hag at the helm. The only positive is their current seat in the final of the FA Cup, where they will face eternal rivals Manchester City at Wembley on May 25.
The negatives happen to be so much more. They crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stages late last year. They finished at the bottom of the group and were unable to beat clubs like Copenhagen and Galatasaray. They are also out of the Carabao Cup, while their Premier League campaign is not looking much better either.
Manchester United currently sit in 7th place with no guarantees that they will play continental football next season. Even their route to the FA Cup final saw them struggle to beat tier-two side Coventry City in the semi-final on April 21.
It was a chaotic match that saw them throw away a three-goal lead within the last 20 minutes of the game, which they eventually won on penalties. These situations have led to regular claims that Erik ten Hag will not be the manager at Old Trafford for much longer.
Speaking about the situation, Paul Merson offered what he called a "quick fix" on Sky Sports (via Manchester Evening News):
"Personally I think they need someone like an Ancelotti. I know it’s a quick fix, and I know Man United don’t need a quick fix, but if you watched the game the other night [Real Madrid's win over Manchester City in the UCL], Ancelotti is getting superstars to run themselves into the ground, to leave nothing left on the pitch. That’s what I don’t see at Man United."
However, it is unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti would be willing to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in favor of Old Trafford, with his contract ending in 2026.
Erik ten Hag reveals "mixed feelings" after Manchester United's win over Coventry
Scott McTominay (23') and Harry Maguire (45+1') scored each in the first half to put the game in United's favor against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final. Bruno Fernandes (58') scored the third goal to seemingly secure the win, but the Championship side shocked them.
Three goals after the 71st minute saw Ten Hag's men stumble, as Coventry made their comeback happen. Manchester United eventually won on penalties, with Ten Hag telling the press (via Eurosport):
"We can't say this group doesn't have the right mentality because they showed character today, but in the final part there was a lack of discipline. It's mixed feelings. We can be happy with the achievement, getting to the final, that's huge."
Manchester United will face Sheffield United in the Premier League next, as both sides meet at Old Trafford on Wednesday, April 24. The Red Devils will be hoping to show an improved performance this time around.