MANCHESTER, England (AP) — News from Manchester United this week was that its greatest manager Alex Ferguson would end his lucrative role as global ambassador.
For now, the latest of Ferguson’s successors, Erik ten Hag, remains in post.
That seemed far from certain heading into the most recent international break, with United enduring its worst season start in the English Premier League era.
Yet Ten Hag survived a visit to Manchester from club co-owners Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer this month, while Ferguson’s contract — worth millions of dollars — will cease at the end of the season.
Ferguson is United’s most successful manager, having won 28 major trophies, including 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues.
“Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous,” United great Eric Cantona posted on social media.
Few would have predicted Ferguson’s role would go before Ten Hag’s during a period of intense scrutiny of the Dutchman.
Even Ratcliffe, who paid $1.3 billion for a 27.7% stake in the 20-time English champion in February, declined to give public backing to Ten Hag when asked this month if he had faith in his manager.
Amid the speculation, however, Ten Hag has been preparing for Saturday’s game against Brentford when he aims to secure only United’s third league win of the season and a first since Sept. 14. United also goes into the match at Old Trafford on the back of a five-game winless run.
It is that form that has intensified speculation about his position, but he may have emerged from the international break even more emboldened after someone seen as a leading candidate to take over from him was taken off the market.
Thomas Tuchel was reportedly considered by United during the offseason, but he was unveiled as England’s new manager on Wednesday. Another potential candidate was Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired by the United States last month.
Guardiola doubt
Tuchel’s appointment has also given renewed hope to Manchester City fans that Pep Guardiola could stay beyond his current contract, which runs until the end of the season.
As recently as Tuesday, reports cited Guardiola as England’s “dream” candidate until it emerged that Tuchel would succeed Gareth Southgate.
United’s struggles to replace Ferguson are an example of the task City faces when Guardiola eventually steps down. Ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager since Ferguson retired after his final league title in 2013. United hasn’t been close to the league title since.
Guardiola has overseen a period of unprecedented dominance for City, including six league titles in the last seven years.
He was won 15 major trophies in his eight years at the club. That is already twice as long as he has remained in any managerial job, and he has not given any indication he will extend his contract. Confirmation last week that his close friend and City director of football Txiki Begiristain will leave his role next year has added to the uncertainty around his future.
There is also the ongoing hearing into Man City’s alleged financial breaches, which could lead to a fine, points deduction or relegation if upheld.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
When Guardiola does eventually go, City can only hope for as smooth a transition as has been witnessed at Liverpool since Arne Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp at the end of the last season.
Nine wins from his first 10 games in charge is a record for a new Liverpool manager and the Dutchman’s team leads the way in the league.
Next up for Liverpool on Sunday is a Chelsea team that has also made an unusually positive start under a new coach.
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea is fourth on the table and its only league defeat was on the opening day of the season against City.
What a change for a club that has endured a turbulent time under American owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with Maresca the third full-time manager since they completed their takeover in 2022, following Graham Potter and Pochettino.
The man in place when Boehly and Clearlake assumed control was, of course, Tuchel.
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
