Former United striker Van Nistelrooy is on the coaching staff at Old Trafford and the Mirror report he “will be offered the job on an interim basis if Ten Hag is sacked”. But Van Nistelrooy is said to be worried about being seen as betraying Ten Hag, who brought him back to United in the summer as part of his backroom team.

An underwhelming start to the new campaign has left those around the club trying to ascertain what Erik ten Hag wants from his squad

Though United beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup last season and record silverware, Ten Hag oversaw a dismal campaign in the Premier League with an eighth place finish and exiting the Champions League at the group stage. This season, United's inconsistent form has continued and the Old Trafford side currently sits 14th in the top flight table.