The rumourmill as to who will replace David Moyes as the manager of Manchester United has already gone into overdrive.
The likes of Jurgen Klopp, Diego Simeone, Louis van Gaal, Antonio Conte and Ryan Giggs have been put forward as candidates, with the club known to want a new boss in place as soon as possible.
So, who is the right man for the job? Below, some of the Sports Mole team have had their say.
Kristian Johnson, Reporter: "Moyes's ill-fated Man United reign was dogged by indecision, slow build-up play and above all, a 'safety-first' approach. After a period of nigh-on 20 years under Ferguson which contained free-flowing and successful football, the 50-year-old was treading on thin ice from day one.
"What United need is a manager with a vision. Someone who is brave to implement his ideas quickly and has international pedigree to attract illustrious players to a wilting squad. Pep Guardiola seems intent on building another dynasty in Munich, while Jose Mourinho said in January that he 'belongs to Chelsea'.
"That leaves the Man Utd hierarchy with one option: Klopp. This season, Borussia Dortmund have flattered to deceive and as such, they have not replicated the dizzying heights of last year. Klopp is undoubtedly becoming frustrated that his major assets - Mario Gotze last year and Robert Lewandowski this - are flocking to the bright lights of Bayern Munich. If there was ever a time to pounce for Dortmund's greatest employee of them all, it is now."
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Darren Plant, Reporter: "While everyone associated with Manchester United have endured their most frustrating campaign for a quarter of a century, the decision to part ways with Moyes will instantly see the doom and gloom lift from Old Trafford as the club attempt to rebuild for next season.
"When you consider the names that United have at their disposal with a reported war chest of £200m to spend in the summer, it seems ludicrous that Giggs is being touted as one of the names in contention for the hot seat. This is the time for the appointment of a world-class name, not a man without any managerial experience on his CV.
"Klopp would be a popular choice, while Simeone could bring a togetherness back to the dressing room. However, the time seems perfect for Van Gaal to make the move to England. The Dutchman has enjoyed success at Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich respectively, and as a well respected name in world football he would have little problem in persuading transfer targets to make the switch to the club, despite their absence from the Champions League."
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Barney Corkhill, Reporter: "If Manchester United still have the same ambition that they did under Ferguson then they should break the bank to get Simeone. The Argentine has worked wonders at Atletico Madrid and is on the verge of guiding the club to the greatest season in their history. Breaking the Spanish duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona is impressive enough, but to couple that with their first trip to the Champions League semi-finals in over 40 years is a staggering achievement.
"His accolades get even more impressive when you consider that Atletico were just four points above the relegation zone when he took over. In the 18 months since, he has already won the Europa League, the Copa del Rey and the European Super Cup in addition to the miraculous displays this season. Even if they don't end up winning La Liga or the Champions League, it must go down as a superb campaign for the club who so often find themselves in the shadow of neighbours Real.
"Whether Simeone would want to leave such a high-flying club like Atletico for one that appears to be an ailing force like United remains to be seen, but there are plenty of reasons for him to be tempted. Aside from United's reputation, support and financial clout, he may feel that he has taken Atletico as far as he can. They have very much earned their place among the elite this season, but it is unlikely that they will be able to sustain that in the long run. Real Madrid and Barcelona still dominate the TV revenue and dwarf Atletico's support around the world and, while this season will aid Atletico in that sense, it is hard to see them becoming a regular threat to the big two."
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Matt Law, La Liga Correspondent: "It's a long shot, but Klopp is the man. He has worked wonders with Borussia Dortmund on the pitch and encompasses everything that a manager of Manchester United should be. The club needs passion and direction, something which Klopp has offered to Dortmund since 2008.
"At 46, the German is also the perfect age and might be looking for a new challenge after taking Dortmund perhaps as far as he can. It will not come cheap for United, but those on the board should do everything they can to secure his signature.
"With significant funds set to be available in the summer, it will also be a fantastic proposition for Klopp. Simeone would also be up there, but it is difficult to imagine the Argentine walking away from Atletico Madrid in such a bright period for the Spanish outfit."
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Liam Apicella, Features Editor: "What a strange period this is for Manchester United. For the first time since 1986, they have sacked a manager. There are a host of names (as you'd expect) being bandied about - many with highly impressive CVs. After gambling on Moyes, one thing is for sure, United need a manager with a proven track record of challenging for the major honours.
"He may have ruled himself out of the running, but personally I'd make Klopp an offer that he would find difficult to turn down. He comes across as a very loyal man - something that is all too rare in football and it is admirable that he has expressed his desire to remain faithful to Borussia Dortmund. Surely, though, he cannot be content with losing his best player to Bayern Munich every summer? What's more, as good as his team are, they are not going to be able to break Bayern's stronghold on German football any time soon.
"In terms of what he would bring to United, having watched the slow and uninspiring football that Moyes's side has produced all season, Klopp likes his teams to play on the front foot, rather than worrying too much about the threats posed by the opposition. What's more, his infectious enthusiasm is bound to rub off on both the players and fans."
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Steven Toplis, Reporter: "After the sacking of Moyes, Manchester United need to bring in an experienced, well-respected coach if they are to challenge at the top again. In my opinion, Van Gaal would be the right man for the job.
"The Dutchman has delivered success wherever he has managed, as seven league titles in three different countries shows. He has also won the UEFA Cup and Champions League during a career that has taken in some of Europe's biggest sides.
"Van Gaal laid the foundations for the Bayern Munich team which is currently the best in Europe, beginning their transformation into a possession-based side while giving talented youngsters a chance. United's squad needs to be improved during the summer transfer window and he would be a good choice to oversee the rebuilding of the side. Furthermore, Van Gaal likes his teams to play the attacking, passing football that United supporters crave."
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Liam Apicella
