Manchester United are reportedly considering Julen Lopetegui as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
United crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday night following a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. It marked a staggering 12th defeat in 24 games in all competitions and a seventh at home already to start the campaign.
With Ten Hag’s side already out of Europe and 10 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, pressure has once again mounted on the Dutchman. And another huge defeat at Anfield on Sunday could be the last straw for incoming investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe once his £1.3billion deal for 25% of the club is confirmed.
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According to Spanish outlet Relevo, it could be too little too late for Ten Hag, whose side lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in their last league fixture. The report claims with “patience running out” with the United boss, the club are keeping a close eye on ex-Wolves head coach Lopetegui.
The Spaniard is said to currently top the list of potential suitors ahead of legendary Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brighton’s highly-rated Roberto De Zerbi.
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It is claimed United “value the work” Lopetegui did with Wolves. Certainly, he already has a command of the English language and is experienced in Europe, winning the Europa League with Sevilla.
The 57-year-old, who was sacked after just two months in the same role by Real Madrid in 2018, has been without a job since August. He left Wolves after nine months following a disagreement, having taken them from 20th to 13th last season.
Lopetegui is understood to have turned down a recent offer of £15.5million from Saudi Arabia with his eyes on another stint in the Premier League. And he already has a great relationship with United stars Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon due to this time at Real Madrid.
That’s thanks to his appealing training style which the players took to despite his short stint in the Spanish capital. It is also said that he has a “fantastic” relationship with former Red Devils goalkeeper David de Gea, potentially leaving Andre Onana’s position in doubt.
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