The axe has fallen for the first time in the Premier League season, with the Erik ten Hag era officially over at Manchester United following a difficult start to the campaign .
The Dutchman appeared to have earned himself a stay of execution when he guided the Red Devils to a shock win over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final earlier this year .
But just four wins across all competitions meant the writing was on the wall for the former Ajax boss, even as he struggled with further injuries and misfiring stars.
The decision by United to keep Ten Hag after a lengthy search for a successor during the off-season means that several of their key targets have already moved on.
Mauricio Pochettino has been tapped by the United States men's national team, while Thomas Tuchel has taken the reins with England ahead of the United 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The man the German replaced, Gareth Southgate, has indicated he has no desire to make an immediate return to management too, further restricting the club's options.
So just who could be the latest to take the managerial hotseat at Old Trafford, and try to bring back the glory days of the Alex Ferguson era? DAZN profiles the runners and riders.
Ruben Amorim
- Age : 39
- Currently at : Sporting CP
- Honours : Primeira Liga (x2), Taça da Liga (x3)
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The early frontrunner for the position, the Portuguese has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs over the past year thanks to his dynamic work with Sporting.
A two-time Primeira Liga winner, Amorim was tipped as a contender to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, and publicly interviewed to be David Moyes' successor at West Ham.
Though expectations had been that he would not wish to move mid-season as Sporting chase another historic title, the 39-year-old appears to be already in discussions for the job.
Thomas Frank
- Age : 51
- Currently at : Brentford
- Honours : EFL Championship play-offs
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Closer to home, the Dane has been one of the consistent success stories of the Premier League since guiding the Bees to the top flight via the Championship playoffs.
Finishes of 13th and 9th in their first two seasons in the top-flight under Frank was considered a major success, and the manager still banked credit despite coming 16th last term.
Brentford have been known for their ability to frustrate better teams - they are the last side to defeat Manchester City at home in the league - and he would be a keen pick.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
- Age: 48
- Currently at: Manchester United
- Honours: KNVB Cup
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The man handed the interim reins after succeeding Steve McClaren as Ten Hag's assistant during the off-season, it has not been the happiest return yet for the United club legend.
One of the stars of their early-noughties side under Sir Alex Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy earned his coaching stripes when in charge of PSV between 2022 and 2023, winning the KNVB Cup.
But despite taking interim charge, concerns over a sense of style and continuity to his predecessor, as well as some controversial off-field behaviour, may have hurt his chances.
Xavi
- Age : 44
- Currently at : Unemployed
- Honours : La Liga, Qatar Stars League
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One of the most decorated players of all-time during his career with Barcelona, the Spaniard returned to the club during their wilderness years and guided them to La Liga glory.
But with no Lionel Messi to carry the flag up front, and the Catalan outfit prone to prolonged bursts of self-destruction off the field, it appeared his tenure would only ever be short.
That said, Xavi can point to his success in a chaotic environment as part of his credentials for being well-suited to United, having mostly weathered the media storms with tact.
Graham Potter
- Age : 49
- Currently at: Unemployed
- Honours : Svenska Cupen
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When the Englishman took the Chelsea job amid the bravado of the Todd Boehly takeover, it appeared that his reputation would not take a dint after leading Brighton to Europe.
Sadly, Potter's lacklustre spell at Stamford Bridge seemed to have hurt his credibility as one of the shrewdest British coaches of his generation, with him out of work since 2023.
He had been touted as Southgate's England replacement, but the FA's decision to pivot for his Blues predecessor means he is still looking for a job, with United a credible option.