In recent news, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is considering to walk away from the club after spending only two seasons at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has spent over £250m to bring in 15 players to the club during his tenure. However, he has failed to impress since taking over David Moyes as manager. His conservative style of football has vastly affected Manchester United’s ability to attack this season, scoring only 28 goals from 23 matches in the league.
Having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, an unlikely contender for the Premier League title and currently in the hunt for a top four spot, Manchester United’s season has been going downhill since the beginning.
Louis van Gaal’s contract expires in 2017, but there are reports saying that he will leave the club when the current season ends.
Here are some of the potential candidates who could take over the hot seat at Old Trafford:
1) JOSE MOURINHO
He is regarded as one of the greatest football managers in history. He has won almost everything there is to win during his career. Despite winning the league with Chelsea last season, he was sacked by Mr. Abramovich for losing nine out of the opening 16 league games. There were sections of the Old Trafford crowd that were heard calling to his name during the 2-1 defeat to Norwich City. He is known to covet the Manchester United job as describes Sir Alex Ferguson as a modern-day God who took over the world.
CV: Eight league titles, seven domestic cups, two Champions League titles and one UEFA Cup with 4 different clubs.
Chances of appointment: 8/10
2) PEP GUARDIOLA
The former Barcelona and current Bayern Munich manager has confirmed that he will be leaving the Bavarian side at the end of the season for a move to England. It has been rumoured that Manchester City are favourites to snap him up. He has been successful with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as he believes in hard work and is a disciplinarian.
CV: Five league titles, three domestic cups, three UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups and two UEFA Champions League titles
Chances of appointment: 4/10
3) RYAN GIGGS
The Welshman would be a popular choice and get immediate backing of the Stretford End. They will also give him more time, compared to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. He is the club’s record appearance holder and the most decorated player to ever grace Old Trafford. He is currently Louis van Gaal’s number two, but was appointed as a caretaker manager after Moyes’ sacking (won two, drew 1, lost 1). During that time, he put a big emphasis on youth football.
Unfortunately, he has yet to make a major managerial mark.
Chances of appointment: 6/10
4) LAURENT BLANC
The current PSG manager played 75 matches for Manchester United from 2001 to 2003, winning the league in his last season for club. He has consistently proven to be a tactical mastermind, especially after qualifying to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season after playing with 10-men against Chelsea in the round of 16. He also managed France at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, losing out to eventual winners Spain.
CV: 4 domestic cups, 3 league titles
Chances of appointment: 4/10
5) MAURICIO POCHETTINO
The current Tottenham Hotspurs manager is a surprise package to this list. He is often credited with placing an emphasis on fitness and high pressing, both with Southampton and Spurs. He also encourages youth football as the Spurs squad has an average age of 25, with captain Hugo Lloris being the oldest at only 29. In comparison to Louis van Gaal, his side has scored more goals, taken more shots and created more chances.
Chances of appointment: 3/10
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