Manchester United explored a number of managers last year but ended up sticking with Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.
Ineos had a big decision to make at the end of last season.
Erik ten Hag had overseen a disappointing season at Old Trafford but ended the campaign with an FA Cup final win.
That was enough for Ten Hag to keep his Manchester United job despite Ineos flirting with more than a few managers.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe feels keeping Ten Hag was a mistake as he was sacked in October, sparking Ruben Amorim’s arrival as United boss.
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Thiago Motta sacked after Manchester United interest
So many names were linked with the United job as Ineos weighed up whether or not to axe Ten Hag.
Thiago Motta was on United’s radar having masterminded Bologna’s Europa League qualification.
The former Inter Milan midfielder ended up becoming Juventus boss instead, replacing Massimiliano Allegri.
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Motta’s season has been a difficult one, going unbeaten in the first 21 games – but winning just eight.
Juventus have lost three of the last eight, winning five, but crashed out of the Champions League to PSV Eindhoven.
Motta has now paid the price as Juventus have announced his departure from the club with immediate effect.
Former Juventus defender Igor Tudor has already been appointed as Motta’s replacement and will be charged with the task of securing Champions League qualification.
Motta seemingly couldn’t live up to the enormous expectations at Juventus and, less than a year since United considered him to replace Ten Hag, he now finds himself out of work.
Igor Tudor is the new Head Coach of the Men’s First Team. Welcome, Igor!
Juventus thanks Thiago Motta for his work, passion and dedication during his time with the club.
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) March 23, 2025
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Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United future receives clarity
Motta’s exit is a major blow for the former Italy international; his stock was so high at Bologna but he must now rebuild after his Juve exit.
This decision does impact United right now though with rumours about Joshua Zirkzee surely set to end.
Reports earlier this season suggested that Juventus had stated talks to sign Zirkzee from United for the January window.
Motta coached Zirkzee at Bologna and was seemingly ready to reunite with him if United were open to a deal.
That lingering interest has surely gone with Motta’s departure though, coupled with Zirkzee’s recent upturn in form.
Zirkzee has been shining as a number 10 and United almost certainly won’t be letting him go anyway – but even less likely with the Juventus route surely gone now.