Manchester United have drawn up a three-person shortlist of candidates to replace Erik ten Hag as manager if he fails to improve results this season, according to reports. The Dutchman exits the October international break still in charge of United but under severe pressure to oversee a change in fortunes on the pitch.
Many expected a new face at the helm for this weekend's Premier League clash against Brentford after last Tuesday's executive meeting at INEOS' headquarters in London.
However, United chiefs have retained faith in Ten Hag despite witnessing the club's worst-ever Premier League points tally after seven games.
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The 54-year-old was under immense scrutiny at the start of the campaign anyway after slumping to an eighth-place finish last term, a record low for United.
A disastrous Champions League group stage didn't help either, achieving just one win from six matches to finish rock bottom below Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
United have won just seven of their last 30 games in the Premier League and Europe, leaving the fanbase's patience at boiling point.
And while Ten Hag still has the backing of the club's football leadership team, there are reportedly plans taking shape in the case of his sacking.
According to BILD, United have formed a shortlist of potential replacements, currently featuring three candidates.
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It's claimed that former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is one of the club's targets and that contact has already been made with his representatives.
United are also said to be showing interest in Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeneß.
However, the report adds that INEOS have very little chance of luring either to Old Trafford in the near future.
Nagelsmann reportedly has a strong interest in the position and has even included managing United in his career plan.
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But he doesn't want to walk away from the Germany job before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Meanwhile, there is considered to be a chance of Hoeneß accepting the job next summer, but he reportedly won't leave Stuttgart midway through the season.
United's options are ultimately slim, as they often are at such an early stage of the season. Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England manager has narrowed the pool further.
So, it is no surprise that INEOS are willing to show Ten Hag patience. However, a miserable afternoon against Brentford before more pain on the road at Fenerbahce and West Ham United could force their hand.
