According to reports in England, Manchester United are reportedly planning to axe underperform manager Erik ten Hag in the coming weeks, following a crushing 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen in the group stage matches of the Uefa Champions League played on Wednesday.
The defeat puts United bottom of Group A with three points from four matches and further pile pressure on Erik ten Hag, and the Red Devils’ chances of reaching the next round of the competition is in doubt.
Man United sit eighth in the Premier League, having won six and lost five in their opening 11 league games.
Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag, and rumours suggest that the Glazers could be set to axe the Dutchman immediately, even before the new investor comes on board.
According to Football Insider, incoming investor, INEOS billionaire and Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also planning to sack the Dutchman immediately after he comes on board and is considering hiring Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Ratcliffe and his company INEOS are expected to run football operations at Old Trafford when a deal to purchase 25 per cent of the club is completed – with that agreement possibly the first step in a phased takeover.
Read also UCL: Rashford sees red as Copenhagen beat Man United in 7-goal thriller
It is believed the decision has been provisionally made to sack Ten Hag, and Ratcliffe and INEOS chiefs want Brighton boss De Zerbi, 44, to take over as the new manager.
Any replacement for Ten Hag will be charged with completely overhauling the club’s playing style after a dreadful 2023-24 campaign start.
The Dutchman, 53, enjoyed a promising first season at Man United and won the League Cup but is now under immense pressure from fans and the United board.
It will cost Man United over £ 15 million if they choose to sack the ex-Ajax man this season.
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