Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag has sparked speculation about his potential successor. Four names have emerged as frontrunners for the role: Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Thomas Frank. Each candidate brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table.
In terms of experience, Pochettino takes the lead with 649 games managed, closely followed by Tuchel with 613 games. Frank has managed 483 games, while McKenna has a more limited experience with 131 games under his belt. However, it’s worth noting that McKenna’s win rate of 57.25% is just marginally behind Tuchel’s 57.26%, making him a strong contender.
When it comes to trophies, Tuchel stands out as the clear winner. With an impressive list of accolades including the Champions League, Club World Cup, and back-to-back Ligue 1 titles, he has proven his ability to succeed at the highest level. Pochettino also has three trophies from his time at PSG, while both McKenna and Frank have yet to secure any major silverware.
Style of play is another crucial factor for Manchester United’s bosses. Tuchel has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation at Bayern Munich but has shown flexibility by adopting a 3-4-3 system during his tenure at Chelsea. Pochettino and McKenna are proponents of the 4-2-3-1 formation, which aligns well with the current squad’s familiarity. Frank, on the other hand, has displayed versatility at Brentford, utilizing both a 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 system.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Manchester United’s new co-owners, Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. They will need to carefully consider each candidate’s experience, trophy record, and preferred style of play before making a decision. While Tuchel may have the strongest track record in terms of trophies, McKenna’s growing win rate and familiarity with the club could make him a compelling choice. Regardless of who is chosen, the next Manchester United manager will have big shoes to fill and will be expected to bring success back to the club.