Erik ten Hag lined up by European giants after Manchester United dismissal

Erik ten Hag could be offered a speedy return back into the world of management by Roma, with the club on the hunt for their third head coach of the season.

Former Torino and Hellas Verona boss Ivan Juric took over the reins from Daniele de Rossi in September but was sacked following Roma’s 3-2 defeat at home to Bologna at the weekend.

The 49-year-old Croatian had been in the role for just 12 matches and departed the Serie A outfit with a disappointing record of four wins, three draws and five losses.

It leaves 12th-placed Roma in a state of disarray, with players – those not away on international duty – set to return to training on Wednesday without a head coach.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are frantically scouring the market for Juric’s potential replacement and owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin spent Monday in London, exploring avenues and next steps for the side.

The report claims ex-Manchester United manager Ten Hag and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter – who has been out of a job for over 18 months – have been identified as possible options.

The two names were suggested to American consortium The Friedkin Group by ‘various agents’ they had spoken with in a ‘whirlwind of phone calls’.

Roma are trying to ascertain the availability of Ten Hag, however, it is believed the Dutchman would be reluctant to enter the ‘chaos’ which has unfolded at the Stadio Olimpico in recent months.

Frank Lampard had been on Roma’s radar but I Giallorossi have been forced to look elsewhere, with the iconic ex-Chelsea and England midfielder expected to take charge of Coventry City.

Roberto Mancini, Claudio Ranieri, Rudi Garcia and Vincenzo Montella are all said to be in the running to succeed Juric in the Italian capital.

Ten Hag was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford last month after a miserable run of results at the start of Manchester United’s season.

Having steered the Red Devils to an unlikely FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, Ten Hag initially managed to cling onto the position, despite the club speaking with several managerial candidates.

But a limp 2-1 loss to West Ham left United languishing down in 14th place in the Premier League and Ten Hag’s position became untenable, with Ruud van Nistelrooy taking over on an interim basis prior to Ruben Amorim’s arrival in the north west.

Following his dismissal, Ten Hag said in a statement: ‘Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.

‘The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.

‘I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.

‘I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support.

‘I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.’

Ten Hag hoped to be able to win more trophies with the Red Devils and was disappointed his tenure was cut short before he was able to fulfil his ‘dream’.

‘We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end,’ he added.

‘I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.’

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