A game ultimatum for both sides? Pundit explain why Manchester United vs West Ham will be the most thrilling game of the season.
Edin Terzic will have a keen eye on West Ham’s Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday, as both clubs reportedly have him on their radar.
The 41-year-old manager stepped down as Borussia Dortmund head coach in June after leading them to the Champions League final last season.
Both West Ham, where Terzic previously served as Slaven Bilic’s assistant from August 2015 to November 2017, and Manchester United are admirers of his work and have informally let him know he’d be considered a candidate if they were to part ways with Julen Lopetegui or Erik ten Hag.
For now, Lopetegui’s position remains secure, though a loss to United would add pressure on West Ham’s leadership, especially following an ambitious summer investment of £132.5 million and last weekend’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham.
Despite board support, West Ham fans have grown frustrated with Lopetegui’s style and results, as the team has conceded 20 goals in their first 10 games across competitions. The next three matches—against United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton—are anticipated to be crucial as the club approaches the international break.
Technical director Tim Steidten, who played a key role in hiring Lopetegui, is also under scrutiny, with his nine summer signings so far failing to impress.
Meanwhile, INEOS is said to have created a list of potential managers as they consider a change, with Ten Hag facing difficulties at Old Trafford. While Ten Hag maintains he has support from United’s upper management, there are indications the club may be seeking a replacement, as they did in the off-season before ultimately choosing to retain him.
Following United’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Fenerbahce in Turkey on Thursday, Ten Hag pointed to injuries as a factor slowing the team’s progress, saying, “Yes, it holds us back in our levels and also in our position in the league. When you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team.”
Sources also indicate that AC Milan holds Terzic in high regard, with the Rossoneri’s current manager, Paulo Fonseca, experiencing a rocky start amid opposition from club ultras. Terzic is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League, though there have only been exploratory discussions at this point, with no official offers yet.