As the pressure grows on Manchester United boss David Moyes following the Premier League champions’ third loss in a row against Sunderland on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup semi-finals, we take a look at ten possible contenders to replace the Scot in the Old Trafford hot seat.
Read more Manchester United transfer news
10) Carlo Ancelotti
Despite the Italian having only just taken over from Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu, the experienced trainer would still be near the top of United’s short list were they to part company with Moyes, and with Real Madrid being a notoriously unstable club, it would not be that far fetched to imagine ‘Carletto’ in the Old Trafford dugout.
9) Antonio Conte
Having guided Juventus back to the summit of Italian football with consecutive Serie A titles, the former Azzurri midfielder would be just the man to turn United’s fortunes around.
8) Diego Simeone
The Argentinian is currently performing wonders in charge of Atletico de Madrid, who are going toe to toe with FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and what’s more, Atleti are playing the type of fast-paced pressing game that would go down well at the Theatre of Dreams.
7) Steve McClaren
Given the brilliant job Ferguson’s former right-hand man is currently doing at Championship high-flyers Derby County, who he only joined earlier this season, then surely the one-time England manager would at least be considered for the job were Moyes to depart the Premier League champions?
6) Joachim Loew
The German has brought great success and stability to the national team back in his homeland in the past eight years, and would be absolutely perfect to take on this role if handed the chance.
5) Ryan Giggs
Considered by many as the natural and long-term heir apparent to Moyes, especially now that the Welshman is starting to wind down his playing career by taking his Uefa coaching badges, as well as working part time alongside the Scot on the United bench.
4) Jose Mourinho
The self-styled Special One was said to have been gutted when passed over for the role last year by United, and so one would imagine that the Portuguese would now leap at the chance to finally become the Red Devils boss.
3) Pep Guardiola
The man that Fergie initially wanted to succeed him in the north west, before the Catalan took over at Bayern Munich, although that would not stop the United hierarchy from at least sounding out the suave ex-Barcelona captain and coach to see if he would be interested in taking on the role.
2) Sir Alex Ferguson
Daft as it may sound, but you can bet your bottom dollar that were Moyes to be relieved of his duties at Old Trafford, then the first name on everyone’s lips to replace the Scot would be none other than his compatriot, and a man who knows a thing or two about managing the Red Devils too.
1) Jurgen Klopp
Highly rated young Borussia Dortmund coach who has the record both in the Bundesliga and in the Uefa Champions League to easily succeed in the role given the way in which he has taken on and beaten the behemoth that is Bayern Munich in Germany these past few years.