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Manchester Utd 'add two-time Champions League winner to managerial shortlist'

Man Utd 'add two-time Champions League winner to managerial shortlist'
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly keen on a move for Bologna manager Thiago Motta, should the Red Devils decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag in the summer.

Manchester United have reportedly added Bologna's Thiago Motta to a list of managers who could replace Erik ten Hag ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover of the Red Devils earlier in the year, there has been lots of changes off the pitch at Old Trafford.

Taking hold of football operations on the red side of Manchester, INEOS billionaire Ratcliffe has appointed a new CEO, luring Omar Berrada from local rivals Manchester City.

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the future of head coach Ten Hag - talk which has only intensified following United's 4-3 loss at Chelsea on Thursday night.

The visitors possessed a 3-2 lead at Stamford Bridge heading into added-on time, before Blues marksman Cole Palmer netted two to secure his hat-trick and steal all the points for Mauricio Pochettino's men.

Bologna coach Thiago Motta reacts on March 3, 2024© Reuters

Man Utd keen on Bologna boss Motta

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Man United are monitoring the availability of Bologna manager Motta ahead of a possible move for the Italian in the summer.

The 41-year-old is receiving plenty of plaudits for his performances in the hotseat at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, with the Rossoblu being the surprise package in Serie A so far.

Bologna currently occupy a Champions League spot in the top-flight standings, sitting two points ahead of fifth-placed Roma with just eight matches left to play for Motta's men.

The Red Devils are not alone in their fondness of Motta, though, as it is claimed that Juventus are also interested in making the former Barcelona player their next manager.

A move to Turin for the forward-thinking Italian would be dependent on whether Massimiliano Allegri stays on at the Allianz Stadium past the conclusion of the current campaign.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks dejected after Chelsea are awarded a penalty on April 4, 2024© Reuters

Man Utd's shortlist of Ten Hag replacements

Following Thursday's last-gasp defeat at Chelsea, Man United remain sixth in the Premier League table, 12 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Despite fifth position potentially being enough for a spot in the Champions League next season, the Red Devils could be set to miss out on a spot in European's elite club competition.

With Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford in doubt ahead of the summer, British managers Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter are among the favourites to take over for the 2024-25 term.

England boss Gareth Southgate has a contract with the Three Lions running until the end of the 2024, although the 53-year-old is reportedly keen to take his country to the 2026 World Cup.

Julian Nagelsmann and Zinedine Zidane have also been linked with a move to the red side of Manchester, however it is understood that the latter has no intentions of managing in the Premier League at this stage in his coaching career.

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts on February 18, 2024
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