Is LVG on borrowed time?
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has weathered a very difficult storm at Old Trafford this season as he has managed to survive at the club despite some poor form which sees the club outside the top four in the league table.
Although Van Gaal has been given the opportunity to turn the fortunes of his side around for now, if United do fail to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the campaign, the board may not see his future being at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman took over the reins in May 2014. In his first season with United, his opening brief was to get the club back into the Champions League following a one-year absence, which he achieved.
However, with one of the biggest budgets in the Premier League, United have been expected to challenge for the title in 2015/16 campaign but they are a long way short of being in the hunt for the championship. Indeed they are at the time of writing at odds of 33-1 in the Premier League betting for the title this season.
If the United board do choose to dismiss Van Gaal before the end of the season or during the summer, they’ll be keen to get their next appointment right as they have failed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson with a manager who can look after their long-term future.
Here are three managers who are likely to be on the shortlist:-
Jose Mourinho
After he was dismissed by Chelsea back in December, the Portuguese boss has been linked with the United job. With a CV as attractive as Mourinho’s, it would be no surprise to see United bring in the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan man to Old Trafford.
As Mourinho is currently out of work, they will not have to pay any compensation for his services. The 53-year-old has already stated he would be keen to stay in England in his next job and he would no doubt jump at the opportunity to help change the fortunes of United.
Mauricio Pochettino
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has done an outstanding job since moving to England in 2013. In his first couple of seasons in the Premier League, he helped Southampton finish in the top half of the table and brought a brand of football to St Mary’s that the fans loved.
In May 2014, Tottenham came in for the Argentine’s services and it looks to have paid off as they are very much in the hunt for the title this season.
Pochettino has been in England long enough now to pick up the language and he understands the league. Therefore, it would no longer be a risk for a club like Manchester United to chase his signature.
Diego Simeone
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone has been linked with a number of major clubs in Europe for several years now. The enigmatic, former Argentina international won La Liga with Atletico in 2014. He also helped his club reach the final of the Champions League the same year where they were beaten by local rivals Real Madrid.
Given his fiery character, it would be a gamble. But his recent managerial record suggests he deserves to be in the frame for what would be one of the most lucrative jobs in Europe.