As they continue to think about Erik ten Hag’s future, Manchester United has looked into the situation of highly regarded Bologna manager Thiago Motta, sources have told CaughtOffside.

Bologna is currently in fourth place in Serie A under Motta. His team has received accolades for their footballing in the Italian league, which stands in sharp contrast to Man Utd’s frequently erratic and disjointed performances under Ten Hag.

Though Ten Hag’s future is still up in the air, important players are still considering their options to take Ten Hag’s place. Motta is starting to show herself as a formidable contender.

More seasoned players like Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel, who are both expected to be available this summer, are also preferred by United, according to sources with intimate knowledge of the situation who spoke with CaughtOffside. Roberto de Zerbi of Brighton is another player being considered; however, the Italian tactician might be more difficult to acquire because of expected competition from teams like Bayern Munich, though Liverpool and Chelsea are also viable options.

Although United had previously entertained the possibility of considering former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, it is believed that he would no longer be among the top contenders. There were initial exchanges with the Spaniard, but they ended there.

At Manchester United, Ten Hag could be replaced by a long list of players.

Ten Hag may be headed for the Old Trafford exit, but CaughtOffside has knowledge of a long list of senior players who may be departing this summer.

Being a free agent, Anthony Martial is almost certain to depart. A return to France is anticipated to be his top goal, but he may also think about Saudi Arabia or Italy, where he is well-liked by Inter Milan and Roma. It is also widely believed that Sofyan Amrabat, who has been on loan at MUFC since last summer, will return to Fiorentina.

Harry Maguire, who is still valued by West Ham United, is another potential departure, and Raphael Varane is also likely to leave. Although selling Antony would be ideal for United as well, they might have trouble finding a buyer willing to pay the kind of money they want.

Mason Greenwood is likewise more likely to go than to stay, but more discussions will take place at the end of the season to fully elucidate the circumstances, and the manager’s position may be taken into consideration before a decision is taken.