Ratcliffe is contemplating the possibility of hiring a former Barcelona star as a potential manager for Manchester United.

Thiago Motta, the manager of Bologna, is reportedly another Italian coach under consideration by Manchester United as they compile their list of potential replacements for Erik ten Hag.

This speculation suggests that there might be some truth to the rumors swirling around the current manager’s precarious position.

Amid mounting pressure fueled by back-to-back Premier League losses against Fulham and Manchester City, as well as a disappointing campaign overall with exits from the Champions League and the EFL Cup, reports of an imminent managerial change at Manchester United are flooding in rapidly.

Manchester United’s interest in Thiago Motta adds an intriguing twist to the managerial speculation surrounding the club. While options like Graham Potter and potential targets Gareth Southgate or Thomas Frank might seem conventional, the prospect of Motta’s involvement injects excitement into the mix.

According to reports from TEAMtalk, discussions about Motta’s potential appointment have taken place internally among key figures at Manchester United, including Ratcliffe and the board members, possibly involving individuals like Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, and incoming CEO Omar Berrada, who is currently on gardening leave.

Motta, the 41-year-old former Italy international, has garnered attention for his managerial prowess in Serie A. Similar to Roberto de Zerbi, who has also been linked with Manchester United and is now at Brighton after a successful stint at Sassuolo, Motta is known for his dynamic and tactically sophisticated style of play, which has earned him admirers both domestically and internationally.

Having won the Champions League with Barcelona and under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, Motta’s football philosophy resonates more with Pep Guardiola’s expansive approach than Mourinho’s pragmatic tactics.

His managerial style, honed through his experiences with Genoa, Spezia, and PSG’s under-19s, revolves around principles of high-pressing, possession-based football, and a resolute commitment to playing out from the back.

At Genoa, Motta has overseen the development of one of Serie A’s youngest squads, nurturing talents like Lewis Ferguson and the highly touted Joshua Zirkzee, who has been linked with Manchester United.

His adeptness at fostering young players within a cohesive and attractive playing philosophy is likely to resonate with Ineos, Ratcliffe, and others involved, who seem eager to integrate some of Europe’s finest emerging talents into the Old Trafford setup.

Currently positioned fourth in Serie A, Bologna has never previously participated in the Champions League.

However, with a four-point advantage over fifth-placed Roma, their inaugural appearance in Europe’s elite competition could be on the horizon.

The uncertainty surrounding Motta’s future at Bologna persists, especially with Manchester United reportedly expressing interest in his services, adding another layer of intrigue to the managerial landscape.