Manchester United eye Bologna Boss Thiago Motta as Potential Ten Hag Replacement

Manchester United eye Bologna Boss Thiago Motta as Potential Ten Hag Replacement

Hassan Abdulsalam 10:37 - 07.04.2024

The 41-year-old former midfielder, known for his stints at Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, has impressed with his work at Bologna.

The search for a potential successor to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United has reportedly taken a new turn with the emergence of Thiago Motta, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 41-year-old former midfielder, known for his stints at Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, has impressed with his work at Bologna.

Bologna's Unexpected Champions League Push

Bologna is surprisingly in contention for Champions League football under Motta's guidance as they are currently sitting fourth in Serie A. This unexpected success comes despite the team's underdog status.

Motta's Coaching Career and Tactical Philosophy

Motta transitioned seamlessly into coaching after retiring in 2018. He began with PSG's U19 side before venturing into Serie A with Genoa and Spezia.

After successfully keeping Spezia in the top division, he took over at Bologna in September 2022, leading them to a respectable ninth-place finish last season.

This season, however, Motta has taken Bologna to new heights. His unorthodox 4-3-3 formation, which can also be interpreted as a 2-7-2, has instilled a strong attacking philosophy.

Players are encouraged to be flexible, occupying multiple positions and ensuring constant passing options for the ball carrier.

Ten Hag's Future Under Scrutiny

With Manchester United struggling to secure a top-five Premier League finish and Champions League qualification next season, Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.

The club's new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is expected to assess the Dutchman's performance in the summer.

While winning the FA Cup could potentially save his job, United's recent struggles raise questions about his long-term suitability.

Motta's Champions League Ambitions

Motta's agent, Dario Canovi, has previously hinted at his client's desire to manage in the Champions League. While a top-four finish with United, and subsequent Champions League qualification, remains uncertain, both Juventus and Bologna offer a more realistic path to that goal next season.

United's recent dropped points against Brentford and Chelsea have severely hampered their top-four hopes. Currently sitting 12 points behind Aston Villa and nine behind Tottenham Hotspur with eight games remaining, Europa League football seems more likely for next season. This could be a significant factor in Motta's decision-making process.

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