Who Should Replace David Moyes As The Next Manchester United Manager?
David Moyes’ disastrous 10-month reign as Manchester United manager came to a screeching halt on Tuesday morning when it was announced that the club had fired the Scot.
Moyes was hand-picked by Sir Alex Ferguson, who oversaw the Red Devils’ most successful ever period between 1986 and 2013. But since taking the role Moyes has seen the Premier League champions plummet to seventh in the table.
While some critics believe that he still deserved more time to create the team he wanted, many are adamant that he simply wasn’t the right man to manage the most famous soccer side in the world.
But who is? And who should Manchester United seek to replace Moyes in the role? You can check out the main contenders below:
Jurgen Klopp – Borussia Dortmund
Possibly the most charismatic and exciting manager in world football, Klopp has almost single handedly turned Dortmund, who were saved from bankruptcy in 2005, into one of the best sides in Europe. Speaks English, is only 46 and is suited to United’s brand of soccer.
Chances Of Employment: 6/10 – Has already stated he wants to stay at Dortmund. But come the summer, he might be convinced if United apply pressure.
Pep Guardiola – Bayern Munich
Created the greatest soccer side of the last 30 years at Barcelona, has previously confirmed that he wants to manage in England, close to Sir Alex Ferguson and speaks clear English.
Chances Of Employment: 3/10 – Can’t see him leaving Bayern after just one season, even if he wins every trophy available to him in his first campaign. Plus, he’s already revealed he wants to stay in Germany for “two more years.”
Louis Van Gaal – Netherlands
One of Europe’s most distinguished managers who has won the Champions League with Ajax as well as 12 other major honours across the continent. Prides himself on playing attacking football that is mixed with a strong discipline and dictatorial managerial stance. Would certainly demand the respect of an allegedly unruly squad having managed some of the biggest sides in the game.
Chances Of Employment: 8/10 – The clear favourite at the moment. The only issue is his age. At 62 he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning and his longest tenure at a club is just six years. Manchester United prefer to hire younger managers who have the chance to stay at the club for decades.
Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid
Could lead Atletico to a prestigious La Liga and European Cup double, despite working on a meagre budget, while playing vibrant attacking football. He’s passionate, young and ambitious but is still relatively inexperienced. The latter issue would soon dissipate if they won the Champions League though.
Chances Of Employment: 6/10 – Can’t speak English but other than that possesses all the credentials.
Roberto Martinez – Everton
Maybe United went to Everton just a year too early? Has turned the Toffees into one of the most exciting sides in the league aswell as bona-fide Top Four contenders, while proving that Moyes had drawn slightly too much praise for his efforts at Goodison Park.
Chances Of Employment: 4/10 – Having seen what happened to Moyes he might not want the job.
Ryan Giggs – Manchester United [Interim]
Why not? He might not have any managerial experience, but he’s the most decorated British footballer ever and United fans would give him plenty of time to settle into the role. If he can spark a bit of passion and attacking vigour into their last three performances of the season he could prove himself.
Chances Of Employment: 2/10 – The Glazers have already confirmed that he isn’t in the running.
Gary Neville – England [Coach]
Is the leading pundit on English television thanks to his forthright insight, which led Roy Hodgson to appoint him as the national team coach. Passionate, knowledgable and a die-hard United fan.
Chances Of Employment: 2/10 – Way too inexperienced. Could work in tandem with Giggs though.
Sir Alex Ferguson – Retired
The best British manager of all time who knows Old Trafford better than anyone.
Chances Of Employment: 2/10 – Ferguson isn’t big on admitting he’s made a mistake and returning to United would mean eating a lot of humble pie.
Laurent Blanc – Paris St Germain
Former United defender who won the league with the Red Devils in 2003. He’s carved out an impressive managerial career, winning the league with Bordeaux and taking France to the quarter finals of Euro 2012, and is set to win the Ligue 1 with PSG this year too.
Chances Of Employment: 5/10 – Has already distanced himself from the job, plus he is yet to prove his managerial credentials against world class opposition.
Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid
Another of Europe’s most recognised coaches, having won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, as well as the Scudetto. Plus he has already managed in England, leading Chelsea to the double in 2010. He’s currently in Madrid where he has fashioned a fast, attacking side that most United fans would be proud of.
Chance Of Employment – 7/10 – He’s only been at Madrid one season, but could be tempted to try and build something at the more relaxed Old Trafford after his successful first stint in England
Jose Mourinho – Chelsea
Wanted the job last year but was overlooked for Moyes. Has won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, league titles with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Porto and Inter Milan and is widely regarded as the most influential manager in world football.
Chances Of Employment: 1/10 – The chance has gone. United picked Moyes. Mourinho picked Chelsea.
[Images via melis/Laszlo Szirtesi/Mazzzur/ Maxisport/Rnoid/Shutterstock]
