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The 2019-20 season was one of rejuvenation for Manchester United. In his first full season as manager of the Red Devils, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spearheaded Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and the semi-finals of three cup competitions.
Most football pundits were, however, quite sceptical about Manchester United, due to their failure to win a trophy after making it to the last four of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the Europa League.
Manchester United fans were hoping to enter the 2020-21 season filled with hope and positivity but were left utterly disappointed and disgusted due to the club's failure to make any notable signings.
The club hierarchy failed to bring in any of Solskjaer's top targets but managed to complete deadline day deals for Facundo Pellistri, Amad Diallo, Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles, players who were alternatives at best.
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Manchester United fans' misery has further intensified after their horrendous start to the Premier League campaign, which has seen the Red Devils lose two out of their opening three games.
It seems harsh to blame the manager for the club's failure to sign players, but a Manchester United manager is expected to deliver wins regardless of the situation. Solskjaer, in recent weeks, has seemed lost and bereft of ideas, which has led many to believe that the sack may not be far away for the Norwegian.
On that note we will take a look at 5 potential replacements for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
#5 Mauricio Pochettino
The name Mauricio Pochettino is one that has been echoed throughout Old Trafford for some time now. The Argentine tactician began his managerial career in England as manager of Southampton after three fruitful years at Espanyol. Pochettino led the team to an eighth-place finish, their highest league position in the top-flight since the 2002–03 season.
His success at Southampton caught the eyes of Tottenham Hotspur, whom he joined in the summer of 2014. In his five years in North London, Pochettino converted the Lilywhites club from top-four aspirants to potential title contenders and even led them to their first-ever Champions League final.
Pochettino was, however, sacked at the beginning of the 2019-20 season after a poor run of results left then languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.
Nevertheless, he impressed one and all during his time at Tottenham with his tactical knowledge. The Argentine is currently unemployed and is in search of a project that suits his ambitions.
At Manchester United, Pochettino will be provided with the funds he requires to challenge for trophies. The 48-year-old would be a good fit for Manchester United because he has six years of experience as a Premier League manager and continuously lead Tottenham to the latter stages of the Champions League.
#4 Massimiliano Allegri
Not many managers in the world have won as many trophies as Massimiliano Allegri. After joining Juventus in 2014, he won four consecutive domestic doubles between 2015 and 2018, the only coach to achieve this feat in the top five European leagues. Allegri left Juventus with a win percentage of 70.4%, which at the time was the highest in the history of the Old Lady.
The 53-year-old Italian has been out of work since 2019 after leaving Juventus by mutual consent. Allegri is the type of manager that could not only get Manchester United back to winning ways, but also attract big-name players to the club because of his reputation, which is something Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has failed to achieve.
Allegri may be Manchester United's best option given his trophy cabinet and his current availability.
#3 Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick is not a household name like the aforementioned managers, but the German is regarded by many as one of the most influential managers in the world. Rangnick has managed a host of big clubs in Germany during his 36 years as a manager.
The 62-year-old is a proponent of focusing sports and economic results together. The success of the Red Bull model in Leipzig under the leadership of Rangnick has seen indisputable results in on and off the pitch.
From 2015 to 2019, the club’s revenues saw an impressive surge equal to 231% growth, with €81 million in 2015 to €270 million in 2019. Rangnick also played a huge role in propelling the careers of some top-quality players like Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Joel Matip and Naby Keita.
Manchester United do not require a manager that will help improve their finances, but are in desperate need of one who will change their fortunes on the football pitch and give them a football identity. Rangnick is recognized as one of the first notable visionaries of Gegenpressing, whereby the team, after losing possession, immediately attempts to win back the ball.
#2 Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann would be a more futuristic option for Manchester United, given that the German manager is only 33-years-old. The German has, however, been rated as one of the best up and coming managers in world football.
Nagelsmann began his managerial career at Hoffenheim, taking over the club when they were 17th in the table. Hoffenheim survived relegation with a good run of results towards the end of the season. He then led Hoffenheim to a fourth-place finish in his first full season in charge of the club.
Nagelsmann's impressive performance with Hoffenheim caught the attention of RB Leipzig, who secured his services in the summer of 2019. In his first season at the club, the young manager led Leipzig to a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and the semi-finals of the Champions League. By virtue of his achievements, Nagelsmann became the youngest manager in history to coach a side in a Champions League semi-final.
The young German could be the fresh-face that Manchester United need, but he may not be the man to bring immediate success to the Red Devils, given his lack of experience and trophies in his CV. United may, however, be hard-pressed to lure Nagelsmann away from Leipzig, given that he signed a four-year contract last summer.
#1 Ryan Giggs
Many fans and former legends expect Ryan Giggs to become the manager of Manchester United. The Welshman was appointed as a player-coach at Manchester United on 4 July 2013 as part of the coaching staff under new manager David Moyes.
When Moyes was sacked by Manchester United in April 2014, Giggs took over as the club's interim player-manager. Giggs was suggested by many – including Louis van Gaal – as the Dutchman's potential successor at Manchester United, but left his coaching role at United when the club hired Jose Mourinho in 2016.
He was appointed manager of the Wales national team in January 2018, succeeding Chris Coleman. Giggs successfully secured qualification to the European Championships with Wales, as they look to return to a major competition after missing out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has now accumulated two years of experience as a top-level manager.
Manchester United would, however, be making a mistake if they approached Giggs at this moment in time. Much like Solskjaer, the Welshman lacks the experience required to coach a club of Manchester United's size and would be an emotional pick at best.
