Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘is analysing replacements for Erik ten Hag’ with new Man United part-owner ‘not completely sold’ on under-fire manager… and a Premier League rival ‘of interest’ to replace him

Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager looks increasingly uncertain as potential replacements for the Dutchman have been evaluated, according to reports.

The Red Devils boss saw his team lose for the tenth time this season in the Premier League; a 2–1 home defeat to Fulham which left them eight points behind Aston Villa in fourth place.

After a positive first season, Ten Hag faced heavy pressure when the team were dumped from Europe after finishing bottom of the Champions League group. His team also suffered a crushing 3–0 home defeat in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle, amid a string of disappointing performances in the first half of the season.

However, the manager and his side appeared to have turned a corner and were on a four-match winning streak before the Cottagers came to town. That run included impressive wins at Villa Park and the dramatic late win away to Wolves.

But according to the Manchester Evening NewsThe former Ajax boss may already be on borrowed time now that new minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to tackle the club’s multitude of sporting problems.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already started making major changes to key positions at the club following his investment

Man United suffered their eighth home defeat of the campaign – one short of their single-season record

The report claims the INEOS chief is ‘not completely sold’ on Ten Hag and that individuals at the club accept there is ‘noise’ around his position.

In comments last week, Ten Hag was confident he retained Ratcliffe’s support after the billionaire refused to discuss his future during interviews following the completion of his £1.3 billion investment.

Ratcliffe had instead suggested that a succession of failed management appointments since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 was an indication that the ‘environment’ is to blame.

‘We have had so many conversations, we are very aligned, we have the same ambition, we are very aligned in the process.’ Ten Hag said this on Friday in anticipation of the loss to Fulham. ‘We talk a lot.

‘We are very much on the same page. It completely fits the ambitions I have, and the ambitions I had when I came here. It’s now 19 months later and I see that we are going in the right direction.

‘We had setbacks in the second season, but you can see the team coming. It is important to have players fit, but also to build the squad. We will be strong and even stronger if we add more qualities to this team.’

The 54-year-old admitted that qualifying for the Champions League this season will be crucial to ensure he retains the support he believes he enjoys. United’s eighth home defeat of the season – one short of their single-season record – did little to help matters.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has also been linked with the Liverpool job at the end of the season, would be of interest to United. The Italian is also one of the frontrunners rumored to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly interested in Ratcliffe and INEOS for the United position

Manchester United would have to spend £20 million to land Dan Ashworth from Newcastle

Ratcliffe has wasted no time in pushing through changes in an organization he said was “not good” and a culture he indignantly concluded was not fit for success.

Omar Berrada will take over as CEO after being poached from rivals Man City, while talks are underway to bring in Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth as sporting director.

Newcastle confirmed this week that Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave while the two clubs negotiate compensation payments.

United have also been linked with Southampton’s director of football Jason Wilcox, also formerly of Man City, who is expected to work with Ashworth in overseeing recruitment.