Manchester United looking at 48-year-old coach who won 9 trophies in Italy as potential Ten Hag replacement: Reports
Manchester United could reportedly turn to Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi if they wield the axe on Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils backed the Dutch coach with a one-year contract extension in the summer, but his side has made a concerning start to the new season.
Italian outlet Inter Live reports that Inzaghi is on United's list, and INEOS is studying him as a potential replacement for Ten Hag. The Nerazzurri coach's stock has risen at the San Siro after he guided them to the Scudetto last season.
It's claimed that an 'alarm' is going off at Inter regarding Manchester United's interest. The Italian tactician is the latest high-profile manager to be checked by the Premier League giants.
Inzaghi took over Inter in July 2021 and has overseen 106 wins in 164 games. He's implemented an exciting brand of football at the San Siro and recently stifled the free-scoring Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League (0-0).
The club's former striker has coached them to six major trophies, including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and three Italian Super Cups. He also led Lazio to the Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups.
Ten Hag's future is again under speculation amid Manchester United's struggles at the start of the new season. His side have won two, lost two and one of their opening five league games, sitting 11th in the table.
Rio Ferdinand questions Erik ten Hag's decision to rotate in Manchester United's draw against Palace
Manchester United looked to have turned a corner last week after wins over Southampton (3-0 in the league) and Barnsley (7-0 in the Carabao Cup). The Red Devils played good football in those games, which boded well ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace last Saturday (September 21).
Marcus Rashford refound form, managing two goals and one assist in those games. It was a surprise when he was named on the bench for the clash against Palace.
Manchester United were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by the Eagles despite dominating proceedings. Ten Hag's decision not to start Rashford was scrutinized, with many pondering why rotate for a Premier League game.
Rio Ferdinand questioned the manager's decision to start the English attacker on the bench. The United legend said on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel:
“When you’ve got a man in form like Marcus Rashford, who’s coming into a bit of form and momentum which is key for any player and their confidence, I’m thinking is it the right time now to rotate?"
The Red Devils struggled to break Palace down even when Rashford came on in the second half. Ferdinand added:
"We’re creating chances and you take out the guy who is actually starting to score. I just look at that and think, wow. It was pleasing to see the manager come out and say it was rotation, nothing else, because there was some murmurings around it."
Rashford has been criticized over the past year for lacklustre form and some disciplinary issues behind closed doors. He looked to be back to his best in recent wins but Ten Hag decided to rotate against a tricky Palace side.