Manchester United have reportedly identified Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag, should the club decide to change their manager in the coming weeks.
The Red Devils have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, picking up only eight points from seven matches, which has left them in 14th spot in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag, despite a host of speculation, has kept his job during the October international break, and the Dutchman is now preparing to lead the team into Saturday's clash with Brentford.
However, Ten Hag's future is far from secure, and more poor results and performances in the coming weeks could lead to him being replaced.
Thomas Tuchel had been strongly linked with the position, but it was confirmed on Wednesday that he had agreed to take charge of England, with the German's contract beginning in January 2025.
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Man United 'view Montella as possible Ten Hag replacement'
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is currently an assistant manager at Man United, is viewed as the favourite to replace Ten Hag on a temporary basis, while Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Middlesbrough's Michael Carrick are said to be candidates.
According to Turkish journalist Salim Manav, there is a surprise name on the managerial shortlist, with Montella having admirers at Old Trafford due to his strong work since arriving as Turkey head coach.
The 50-year-old has been in charge of the Crescent-Stars since September 2023, boasting a record of nine wins, three draws and five defeats from his 17 matches at the helm, and he led the national side to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Turkey narrowly lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in the last eight, as they were denied a semi-final spot, but it proved to be their joint-second best performance in a European Championship.
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Does Montella have experience of club management?
Montella started his coaching career with Roma's youth side in 2009, and he has since managed Roma, Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, AC Milan, Sevilla, Fiorentina and Adana Demirspor.
The former striker won the Italian Super Cup during his time as Milan boss, but the fact that he has not spent too long in charge of each of his previous clubs will be slightly concerning for Man United.
The Red Devils cannot afford to make another mistake when it comes to a high-profile manager, and it would be a surprise if Montella was Ten Hag's replacement, but his work with Turkey has been excellent, with the national side unbeaten since Euro 2024 and winning their last three matches against Iceland (twice) and Montenegro.
Matt Law
