Jason Cundy has a theory why Manchester United will have to wait until the summer to replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United may not be able to name a replacement for Erik ten Hag until next summer.

That's the view of talkSPORT's Jason Cundy, who also questioned the potential candidates for the job should a move be made now.

ten witches contract in United This summer it was extended by a year until 2026, but at Old Trafford he is once again under pressure.

They have overseen their worst start to a league season in 35 years, surpassing their own record, with just eight points gained from seven Premier League games.

After a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, Ten Hag was given games against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa to retain his place.

United tied both and therefore speculation about the Dutchman's future has increased, although it is understood he thinks he's safe.

It comes just months after the club reviewed their position before his extension was completed, and talkSPORT Cundy has explained why he believes permanent change may have to wait.

“Here's the problem they had back then, if they feel that the man they want is not there now… I don't think giving him one more year was the worst, I don't think it was the worst decision.” said in The sports bar.

“Who's available right now? There's no long, comprehensive list,” he added, before his co-host Jamie O'Hara insisted: “I know, but they're Manchester United, go and find the manager you want.”

“Well, what if they want (Simone) Inzaghi (Inter Milan coach)? He's not leaving Italy anytime soon,” Cundy said in response.

“That's the problem they've found themselves in now. They left it in the middle of the season, this change is going to be… it's a band-aid, man, to cover up a big scratch.”

O'Hara then revealed his belief that arrangements have already been made for Ten Hag's departure.

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“I think things are in place for Ten Hag to leave. I think they made that decision when they brought in (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy (assistant manager), things are in place.”

However, Cundy responded: “Okay, okay. But if the main target they consider is not available right now, they may have to wait until the summer.”

“I wouldn't wait until summer, are you kidding me?” O'Hara asked confused. “What are you talking about? What do you mean?”

“Dude, they might have to,” Cundy explained. “Okay, who would they want? If it's not (Thomas) Tuchel, who is out there? Tuchel has his own baggage, I know he wins things, but he has a bit of baggage.”

“It can't be worse than Van Nistelrooy, it can't be worse, right?” O'Hara said, although Cundy reiterated: “What I'm saying is let's leave the main decision until the summer.”

Ten Hag enjoyed an excellent start to life at United, winning the Carabao Cup in his debut season and finishing third in the league.

FA Cup glory followed in the 2023/24 campaign last season, but their eighth-place finish was the worst in the Premier League era.

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Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe then conducted his season review, with Tuchel, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter emerges as candidate for work.

Ten Hag eventually entered into successful talks over extending his stay at the club, although his current status is now uncertain.

talkSPORT understands that former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Tuchel has admirers on the United board, as well as Brentford head coach Thomas Frank.

Former England manager Southgate is also highly regarded by Ratcliffe and sporting director Dan Ashworth.