Erik ten Hag faces a fresh fight to save his job with Manchester United actively sounding out potential successors, talkSPORT understands.
The list of possible replacements includes at least one manager currently employed by another club and Man United are believed to be willing to entertain paying compensation.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank is known to have admirers among the Red Devils hierarchy, while sporting director Dan Ashworth worked successfully with Eddie Howe at Newcastle.
Man United have also shown recent interest in Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Sources in Spain claim former Barcelona boss Xavi has held talks about a move to Old Trafford.
Xavi has a close relationship with mAN United chief executive Omar Berrada from their time at the Nou Camp.
While it is not unusual for clubs to succession plan, Ten Hag is under mounting pressure after a run of one win in eight games that has left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.
United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe contemplated sacking Ten Hag in the summer and held talks with various bosses including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Kieran McKenna.
He also survived the last international break, with Ratcliffe’s INEOS group wanting to give the Dutchman time to show their faith in him was justified following a £200m investment in new players.
But Ten Hag faces a crunch spell of four successive home games including against Chelsea and Leicester in the Premier League and Greek minnows PAOK in the Europa League.
Last week’s 1-1 draw at Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce means it is now more than a year since Ten Hag won a European game – Man United’s worst run of form in continental competition since 1983.
The Red Devils are the third lowest scorers in the Premier League with a paltry eight goals from their first nine games.
2
Senior United players are also understood to have questioned Ten Hag’s rotation policy with striker Marcus Rashford rested after scoring three times in two games earlier this season.
£50m summer signing Manuel Ugarte has been used sparingly in the Premier League.
Fans’ favourite Amad Diallo has also found his playing time limited in recent weeks at a time when he is in discussions over a new contract.
More to follow…
