Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to be staring down the barrel at Manchester United as the board weigh-up whether to stick or twist. The Norwegian has been under pressure for some time but the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of rivals Liverpool was far too damaging to ignore.
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Proven winner managing egos of Real Madrid to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies, would command the respect of the dressing room but language barrier could be a problem.
There are however French players in the dressing room who could act as translators, such as Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba.
Whether or not Zidane would be open to the job is something only he knows. Reports last week claimed he’s happy in retirement, but this is Manchester United and if the call came you’d imagine he’d at least listen to their proposal.
MAURICIO POCHETTINO
United would love to get hold of Pochettino as a long-term solution and he has experience of Premier League and developing young players.
But he continues to find trophies elusive and is unlikely to abandon PSG project mid-season.
ANTONIO CONTE
Premier League winner with Chelsea, available and would instill organisation and discipline.
But expensive upheaval guaranteed with United squad not a great fit for preferred playing style.
BRENDAN RODGERS
Probably the best-fit British coach who gets his teams playing good football and has a building cup pedigree.
Previous Liverpool connections would see limited goodwill from the stands with anything less than early perfection.
JULEN LOPETEGUI
One Europa League trophy with Sevilla hardly makes the former Spain and Real Madrid manager (he lasted two months) a standout candidate but in his favour he clearly interviews well.
Certainly has more of an outside chance for the job.
ERIK TEN HAG
Ajax boss with a decent reputation albeit built in shallow waters of the Eredivisie and on one stellar Champions League run in 2019.
Former centre-half lacks stature for a job of this size but seems like he’d be a popular choice with United fans.