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Pep Guardiola named perfect Simone Inzaghi alternative for Man United amid Erik ten Hag pressure

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is feeling the heat after a dismal defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the Premier League

Simeone Inzaghi and Pep Guardiola shake hands before Inter's Champions League clash with Manchester City this season
Simeone Inzaghi and Pep Guardiola shake hands before Inter's Champions League clash with Manchester City this season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Manchester United supporters would not be blamed if they were starting to lose patience with manager Erik ten Hag after yet another poor start to the season.


While Sunday's 3-0 humbling at home to Tottenham Hotspur was not squarely the fault of the manager, it only increased pressure on his shoulders. Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada came out before the heavy loss to Liverpool to express their appreciation for Ten Hag and backing him to continue in charge of the team, it would be naive to presume that support is unwavering.


MEN Sport understands Ten Hag will be in position for the upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa this week but beyond that, it is anyone's guess who could be in the dugout. Many believe that Ruud van Nistelrooy is being groomed for the top job having joined Ten Hag's coaching team in the summer however reports have emerged this week of an alternative to the former striker.


READ MORE: United told it would be madness to sack Ten Hag

READ MORE: Rangnick's United assessment says it all after Spurs defeat

Inter's Simone Inzaghi is reportedly fancied by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos as a serious contender for Ten Hag's job and he comes highly recommended too. In Europe, the Italian has clashed twice with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in recent memory - once in the Champions League final and again in this season's league phase.

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"Only I know how tough the Champions League final was. It was a wonderful performance by Inter," Guardiola noted at an awards ceremony following the European final in Istanbul.

However, United could struggle to bring Inzaghi to Old Trafford. According to his dad Giancarlo, Inzaghi 'costs too dearly' now to be seen as an attainable manager for Premier League clubs.

Fortunately, Guardiola has suggested an alternative to Inzaghi who could be a more cost-effective option. "They are built to win every single game and to win every competition," the Catalonian said when speaking about how Inzaghi's side set up.


"Last year they won a lot and that means in the mindset of the players they can do it, which is similar to us. They have good high pressing and go man to man so they are similar to Brentford [in that regard] and after they defend with typical Italian mentality that they have to suffer.

"They are also strong in set pieces. Incredible qualities."

Brentford manager Thomas Frank
Brentford manager Thomas Frank

Of course, Brentford are managed by Danish head coach Thomas Frank. The 50-year-old was suggested in some quarters as being on Ineos' radar at the end of last season as speculation grew as to whether or not Ratcliffe would stick or twist with Ten Hag.

If United were to twist with Ten Hag now, their pool of money for his replacement would be limited so poaching a Champions League manager seems inconceivable. However moving for Frank, who by Guardiola's admission plays similar football to Inzaghi, could help the United owners save money.

But, whether the fans would welcome a perceived 'cheap option' to replace Ten Hag is unclear.

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