Despite Erik ten Hag putting on a brave face after Manchester United’s humiliating defeat to Tottenham, BD Cricket observed that his calm demeanor at the post-match press conference did little to ease the storm brewing behind the scenes. While he may have salvaged some pride in words, United’s upper management viewed the crushing loss as a serious embarrassment — one that may now accelerate the countdown to his dismissal. The debate over replacing Ten Hag has flared up once again, and this time, the odds seem higher than ever.
Following his contract extension in the summer, BD Cricket noted with surprise that Ten Hag confidently denied any risk of being fired. However, doubts have only grown louder. Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly remains hesitant to sack the former Ajax boss, yet he admits the team has hit a wall and is struggling to move forward. If United decides to part ways with Ten Hag this week, the club would have to pay a hefty compensation fee of around £17.5 million. Interestingly, if the Old Trafford board had chosen not to extend his contract during the summer, that figure could have been cut nearly in half. Clearly, replacing Ten Hag won’t come cheap — and the board’s courage, as well as its next move, will be put to the test.
According to multiple media outlets, one surprising frontrunner for the job is Ole Gunnar Solskjær — a familiar face who, during his previous spell, delivered United’s best results in recent years. The former club legend has reportedly expressed a strong desire to return to the Old Trafford dugout, despite the painful manner in which he left. British outlets describe the coaching shake-up as an “actionable plan,” one under serious review by the INEOS group. And based on the Tottenham game alone, Ten Hag’s flaws were glaring — not just the lopsided scoreline, but the tactical shortcomings that left fans and pundits deeply disappointed. Under his guidance, United now appears to be running out of road.
Still, Solskjær’s track record isn’t without its own baggage. His previous tenure ended on a sour note, and if he returns, there’s no guarantee the club won’t find itself stuck in a cycle of repeated mistakes. Swapping one failed approach for another might change the method, but not the outcome. BD Cricket has learned that Manchester United is also considering other high-profile options. Names like Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and former England boss Gareth Southgate are reportedly on the club’s radar. In addition, there’s growing speculation around Thomas Tuchel making a Premier League comeback — possibly to take the reins at Old Trafford.
As things stand, United is at a crossroads. The decision they make next could either reset the club’s direction or deepen the identity crisis that has haunted them for years. BD Cricket continues to monitor the situation closely, knowing that whatever happens, the ripple effect will be felt across the Premier League and beyond.