Man Utd have four standout managerial options if Solskjaer fails to turn things around

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job remains safe for now at Manchester United but the Norwegian is under no illusions that results must improve after the international break if he is to remain in charge at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have endured an underwhelming and disappointing start to the campaign following an array of concerning defeats to Young Boys, Aston Villa and West Ham in the Carabao Cup, accompanied with dismal draws with Southampton and Everton but United still remain in a relatively healthy position after nearly two months of action.

While there have been some real statement performances, United have also shown an alarming lack of conviction since the start of the season with Solskjaer still yet to decide on his first-choice starting XI.

It’s led to huge doubts among the fanbase as to whether Solskjaer is capable of leading the club back towards its former heights and beyond, for all the good work he has carried out since replacing Jose Mourinho in December 2018.

Similarities have already been drawn to Chelsea last season when Frank Lampard paid the price for failing to find the solution after spending in excess of £220million before Thomas Tuchel was able to show the club’s hierarchy how it was done in the second half of the campaign, as the Blues conquered Europe.

United may now benefit from a changing of the guard amid suggestion Solskjaer has reached his ceiling as United boss and while change is unlikely to arrive just yet, Express Sport has taken a look at the four standout options the club could turn to in the event of a dismissal.

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Man Utd Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Antonio Conte

Conte is debatably the best option out there right now, particularly given he’s currently unemployed and that he’s already won the Premier League with Chelsea.

Many have suggested that the Italian could be United’s answer to Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard midway through last season to inspire the Blues to Champions League glory in Porto after only a matter of months in charge.

Furthermore, Conte is a born winner and he would clearly be capable of ensuring this team regularly compete for the biggest prizes. He demands 110 per cent from his players.

The United squad is already among the best in world football, meaning there would be no rebuild or patience required before Conte is capable of delivering the silverware that he craves.

Perhaps the only concern would be how Conte would fare working under the Glazers having previously clashed with both Chelsea and Inter’s board before struggling to shake hands with Tottenham’s hierarchy over their managerial vacancy earlier this summer.

Nonetheless, his tactical nous, winning mentality and experience would represent an immediate upgrade on Solskjaer, who is still yet to win a trophy at the club.

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Zinedine Zidane

Zidane would be another popular appointment and his record with Real Madrid speaks for itself.

He guided Los Blancos to three consecutive Champions League titles whilst also winning La Liga on two separate occasions during his two seperate spells at the helm.

United’s summer signings Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane both played an integral role under his leadership and ‘Zizou’ could help get the best from the duo at Old Trafford.

Not only that but he’s used to striking the right balance when managing a whole host of superstars and at the moment, Solskjaer is struggling to find his best side.

Zidane has the man-management skills to get the best from everyone at his disposal and it could be argued that United is the perfect fit in the Premier League for his managerial style.

Man Utd Antonio Conte Zinedine Zidane

Man Utd could turn to Antonio Conte or Zinedine Zidane (Image: GETTY)

Erik ten Hag

While he may be an outsider, Erik ten Hag’s philosophy and tactical IQ makes him one of the most impressive managers in Europe right now.

There’s a feeling he could go on to achieve great things in the coming years beyond Ajax with Bayern Munich and Barcelona among those monitoring his progress.

United supporters want a coach who can implement a clear style of play, ideally an attractive brand of football, and Ten Hag ticks that box amongst others.

He also has a proven track record for developing and nurturing young talent, something that has always been a key requirement for any future United boss.

Ten Hag was one of the names in the frame for the Tottenham job before he signed a new deal with Ajax but the lure of managing United could prove to be an opportunity he cannot refuse.

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique’s stock is currently high with his Spain side continuing to catch the eye (Image: GETTY)

Luis Enrique

There was a lot of love for the Spaniard from United’s fan base on social media in midweek as his side ended Italy’s  37-game unbeaten run in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

What enchanted supporters most was that Enrique’s team have a clear identity and style, something that United are currently lacking.

Furthermore, his CV remains criminally underrated and he was responsible for managing one of the greatest Barcelona sides of all time.

Back in 2014/15, the now 51-year-old guided Barca to a historic treble and given the current state of affairs in Catalonia, Enrique’s work was perhaps taken for granted at the time.

He has also consistently improved the squads and players he has worked with in order to help them reach their potential.

That is what United need right now, a coach capable of devising and finding a winning formula whilst maximising the sum of the squad’s parts.

source: express.co.uk