Who are the managerial options on Manchester United’s shortlist this summer?

Having to settle for a flattering 1-1 draw at home against Leicester on Saturday evening, all signs are pointing towards Ralf Rangnick leaving Old Trafford come the end of the season.

Despite arriving at Manchester United on an interim basis back in November, the former RB Leipzig boss has failed to offer the Premier League giants any real stability during his four-month reign.

Watching his side crash out of the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid last month, the Reds are also in a real uphill battle if they’re to clinch an essential top-four finish.

Expecting what should be another lively summer at Old Trafford, we have taken a look at who have been tipped as the leading contenders to replace Rangnick in the red half of Manchester.

Erik ten Hag – Ajax

With it being reported across Europe last week that Ajax’s Erik ten Hag had already held initial conversations with the Manchester United hierarchy, it appears that the 52-year-old is firmly sat in pole position.

Gaining a host of plaudits during his five-year stay in Amsterdam, the one-time Bayern Munich coach also saw his young starlets steal plenty of headlines for their run to the semi-final of the Champions League back in 2019.

Continuously likened to Pep Guardiola and even receiving plenty of praise from the Manchester City boss last week, there is no doubt that fans around Old Trafford would be excited by ten Hag’s arrival this summer.

Previously linked to take up the hot seat at Barcelona before Xavi made his return to Catalonia, The Mirror reported on Sunday that the Ajax boss has already started to line up his backroom staff ahead of next season.

With both parties appearing to believe that their initial meeting went well, The Mirror have suggested that ten Hag has already spoken with former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie about the possibility of following him to Manchester.

Mauricio Pochettino – PSG

While it might appear that PSG are cruising their way towards another Ligue 1 title this season, it has been widely suggested that a domestic crown will not be enough to save Mauricio Pochettino from the chop.

Shockingly throwing away their 2-0 lead and crashing out of the Champions League away at Real Madrid prior to March’s international break, the former Tottenham boss has growing pressure on his position.

With constant speculation surrounding his relationship with sporting director Leonardo, it has been no secret that the 50-year-old has plenty of admirers behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

Heavily linked to be the man to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in November, The Daily Star reported over the weekend that Manchester United officials have already spoken with Pochettino about potentially taking over this summer.

With it being suggested in France that PSG would be willing to let the Argentine leave if they can agree a deal on compensation at the end of the season, Pochettino has been open about how he is keen on making a Premier League return.

Thomas Tuchel – Chelsea

With Chelsea marking their return from March’s international break with a stunning 4-1 drumming at home against west London rivals Brentford, it has been suggested that Manchester United could be looking to pull off an audacious swoop this summer.

With ongoing speculation surrounding the future of the club following their rather public issues behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, the Blues do find themselves in real limbo as things stand.

Still looking for a new owner to come in and deal with a host of sanctions from the UK government, it looks like Thomas Tuchel has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.

Guiding Chelsea to their second Champions League title last season thanks to a 1-0 victory against Manchester City, The Guardian reported last month that Tuchel and Sevilla’s Julen Lopetegui are on United’s shortlist.

With the Blues’ predicament putting the Old Trafford hierarchy on red alert, Tuchel’s current deal at Stamford Bridge finishes in 2024 and United could be looking to pounce if the 48-year-old is unsettled in west London.