Pressure continues to ramp up on Erik ten Hag with Manchester United even having been approached by representatives of several rival managers, according to reports.
The Dutchman is under scrutiny after back-to-back Premier League defeats against Fulham and Manchester City, results which have left the side 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification.
Just as bad as the results has been the nature of the performances, with City enjoying near total domination on Sunday, racking up 27 shots to United’s three and enjoying 73 per cent possession.
Coefficient permitting, the Premier League could be granted an additional Champions League spot, meaning fifth place – currently occupied by Tottenham, who are six points better off with a game in hand – would also qualify.
That must now be Ten Hag’s target, with his future likely dependent on securing a place in the competition, as well as another deep FA Cup run – though they have been drawn against Liverpool in the quarter-final.
According to ESPN, Ten Hag has been offered no assurances over his future and has been told that securing Champions League football is vital to the club’s aim of investing in the squad this summer while also staying within profit and sustainability rules.
Should he fall short of that target, he looks increasingly likely to be axed – with some United players already convinced he will not be in charge next season.
The lack of job security surrounding Ten Hag has alerted rival coaches, with United’s hierarchy having been approached by the representatives of out-of-work managers to find out whether a vacancy might open up.
A number of currently unattached managers have been linked with the job, including former Chelsea boss Graham Potter – who Ineos actually tried to appoint at Nice – and Zinedine Zidane.
Hansi Flick and Julen Lopetegui have also been linked with the post, while Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel – who is leaving at the end of the season – and Julian Nagelsmann – whose Germany contract only runs until the Euros – could be other options.
According to ESPN, United have taken on board information about what prospective coaches have planned for the future as well as what interest there is from other clubs in acquiring their services.
Despite the informal contact, however, there has been no formal discussions with any candidates about potentially replacing Ten Hag at this point.
Ineos are thought to want their new football structure, which includes CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, in place before any decision is made over Ten Hag’s future.
Should they decide to appoint a new manager, they are likely to interview and analyse a host of different coaches including many who already have jobs, such as Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim.
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