Ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman believes Manchester United should look at hiring Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso instead of Graham Potter if they do sack Erik ten Hag.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group are believed to have already considered the possibility of hiring Potter when they do take a stake in the Red Devils, but McManaman feels the Manchester club should go in a different direction. Speaking to Betfred (via The Mirror), he said:
“Why not pick a manager that has just won the league somewhere? Why not go for Xabi Alonso who’s at the top of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen?”
“Why go for a manager that’s been out of work for eight months and had a failed experience at Chelsea? I’m not saying this is a failure on the behalf of Graham Potter.”
“I thought Chelsea treated Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter terribly, but I would be very surprised if the latter was on the shortlist for Manchester United. I don’t believe Erik ten Hag will even leave Manchester United, but I’d be incredibly surprised if Graham was on the shortlist for one of the biggest jobs in world football.”
Alonso has had an outstanding start to life in management
After being appointed by Leverkusen midway through last season, Alonso has transformed the club from Bundesliga also-rans into genuine title contenders.
Leverkusen are currently 4 points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the table, having not lost in the league so far this season.
No decision has been made on ten Hag’s future at United
The Red Devils’ poor form has prompted a lot of speculation about Erik ten Hag’s future but, despite the links to Potter and ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui, it is believed the Dutchman still retains the support of the current United board.
Of course, that may change following Ratcliffe’s arrival but, for the time being, his purchase of a minority stake in the club has not been finalised.
