Manchester United have denied rumours circulating that they have begun a search for a replacement for manager Erik ten Hag, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The Red Devils’ abysmal start to the season hit a new low when they suffered a deflating 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup round of 16 encounter.
Man United had previously fallen to their arch-nemesis Manchester City by a similar scoreline, recording a second straight 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford for the first time since October 1962.
Wednesday’s defeat to Newcastle also saw Ten Hag’s side set a couple of other unwanted records, falling to their eighth defeat in 15 games across all competitions – a first since 1962/63.
They have also suffered five defeats in ten games at the Theatre of Dreams this term, culminating in their worst start at Old Trafford in over nine decades.
These appalling statistics have kickstarted rumours suggesting Man United are in the market for a new manager, with Ten Hag coming under intense scrutiny.
The Times claim Man United view Ruben Amorim and Zinedine Zidane as potential replacements, but the situation is complicated by the uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains in talks to acquire a 25% stake in the club worth around £1.3 billion, although his investment is not expected to be ratified anytime soon.
The deal should see Ratcliffe handed control of the club’s sporting activities, which previously sparked speculation about Ten Hag’s position when the new ownership structure is in place.
However, those rumours were quickly put to bed amid reports Ratcliffe and INEOS are huge admirers of Ten Hag’s work and intend to keep him around.
Ten Hag remains under intense pressure to turn Man United’s fortunes around. He made a bold assertion after the defeat to Man City, claiming his side has what it takes to move in the right direction.
The defeat to Newcastle has done little to inspire confidence in his assertions, but Man United will get a chance to reveal their ‘true selves’ when they travel to Fulham at the weekend.
