Manchester United has identified four possible candidates to succeed manager Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United Eye Ten Hag Replacements Amid Pressure

As Erik ten Hag finds himself under increasing scrutiny at Manchester United, reports from the Daily Mail indicate that the club is actively exploring potential replacements for the Dutchman. Among the names being considered is Xavi Hernandez, currently at the helm of Barcelona. Other candidates on the shortlist include Ruben Amorim, Thomas Frank, and Edin Terzic. The situation has escalated to the point where United have reportedly engaged in discreet discussions with several managerial prospects.

According to the Mail, a four-man delegation led by chief executive Omar Berrada made a trip to Barcelona ten days ago to speak with Xavi. Additionally, Amorim, who manages Sporting Lisbon, and former Borussia Dortmund boss Terzic are also in the frame. Brentford’s Thomas Frank, who was previously linked with the United job during the summer, is once again being considered.

The club’s co-owners had previously interviewed numerous candidates before opting to extend Ten Hag’s contract by a year. However, the renewed search for a replacement has cast fresh doubt over the future of the 54-year-old manager. Manchester United have yet to comment on the situation.

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Isak’s Future at Newcastle Under Scrutiny

Newcastle United are bracing themselves for potential interest in their striker, Alexander Isak, with Arsenal reportedly keen on the Swedish international. The Telegraph has revealed that Isak’s representatives have informed him of the interest from several clubs, which could lead to a significant pay rise should he decide to leave St James’ Park.

While Newcastle are understandably displeased with the situation, they acknowledge the challenges of retaining a player who is attracting attention from various top-tier clubs both domestically and internationally. Despite the buzz surrounding Isak, Newcastle have not yet received any formal bids for the 25-year-old. Although Arsenal’s interest was noted earlier this year, it appears that Isak was not a priority for them during the summer transfer window.

The Magpies are aware that Isak, who finished as the second-highest scorer in the Premier League last season behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, is likely to continue drawing interest. However, they remain unperturbed for the time being. That said, should Newcastle fail to secure Champions League football again this season, there is a genuine concern that a player of Isak’s calibre could become unsettled—a scenario that could apply to several of Newcastle’s star players.

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Liverpool’s Scouting Director Set to Depart

In a significant development at Anfield, Liverpool’s director of scouting and recruitment, Dave Fallows, is set to leave the club in the coming weeks. The Mirror reports that Fallows’ departure comes on the heels of the appointment of new sporting director Richard Hughes. Having joined Liverpool in 2012, Fallows has played a pivotal role in the club’s recruitment strategy and squad-building efforts.

His exit marks a notable change in the club’s structure, particularly following the recent overhaul of football operations by the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Fallows previously held a position at Manchester City as their first-team scouting and recruitment co-ordinator before making the move to Liverpool.

As FSG continues to reshape the club’s footballing framework, Fallows will depart by the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to Liverpool’s success. The restructuring has also seen Michael Edwards transition into a role with FSG, while Hughes takes the reins as sporting director, bringing Mark Burchill along from Bournemouth’s scouting department.