Erik ten Hag fights for future as Manchester United look for replacements and senior stars even question decisions
Erik ten Hag faces a new fight to save his job and Manchester United are 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 consider paying compensation.
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Brentford Thomas Frank is known to have admirers among the Red Devils hierarchy, while sporting director Dan Ashworth worked successfully with Eddie Howe in Newcastle.
Man United have also recently shown interest in German manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Sources in Spain affirm that the former Barcelona Manager Xavi has held talks about his move to Old Trafford.
Xavi has a close relationship with Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada since his time at the Camp Nou.
While it is not unusual for clubs to make succession plans, Ten Hag is under increasing 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 considered sacking Ten Hag in the summer and held talks with several bosses including Thomas Tuchel, who is take over England in January – Roberto De Zerbi and Kieran McKenna.
He also survived the last international break, when Ratcliffe's INEOS group wanted to give the Dutchman time to prove their faith in him was justified following a £200m investment in new players.
But Ten Hag faces a critical run of four consecutive home games, including against Chelsea and Leicester in the Premier League and against Greek side PAOK in the Europa League.
Last week's 1-1 draw at Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce means it has been more than a year since Ten Hag won a European game – Man United's worst run in continental competition since 1983.
The Red Devils are the third-worst scorers in the Premier League with just eight goals in their first nine games.
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Their 2-1 defeat to West Ham will have only put more pressure on the Dutch manager.
This despite many fans and Man United themselves. interrogation The Hammers' winning penalty.
Diogo Dalot candidate for 'miss of the season' in the first half summed up Man United's fortunes.
Senior United players are also understood to have questioned Ten Hag's rotation policy with striker Marcus Rashford rested after scoring three goals in two games earlier this season.
£50million summer signing Manuel Ugarte has been used sparingly in the Premier League.
Fan favorite Amad Diallo has also seen his playing time limited in recent weeks, at a time when he is in talks over a new contract.
Ten Hag won the League Cup and then the FA Cup in his two years at the club.
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But that credit in the bank won't last forever if United continue to fail to climb the table.
