INEOS identifies two coaches as they prepare for possible Ten Hag sack

According to reports, Manchester United have begun assessing options to take over from Erik Ten Hag should the poor result continue and end in a termination of his employment.

The Dutch tactician led Manchester United to their worst season in Premier League history, finishing 8th and failing to impress new co-owners INEOS.

He was set for the sack, as Pulse Sports reported that the club's leadership had already initiated the termination process and had contacted possible replacements.

However, Ten Hag managed to end the season on a high, beating crosstown rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The cup triumph was Ten Hag's second in as many seasons, and the euphoria from the win was enough to convince INEOS to unload the chamber. 

It helped him keep his job, and he got the backing of the hierarchy in the summer. However, with two defeats in the opening three games of the season, including a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool at Old Trafford, he has thrown his future in contention. 

While they mulled over sacking Ten Hag at the end of the season, INEOS had spoken to former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, but the German turned them down. The Standard reports that they still have a liking to the German manager and have identified him as the first option should they fire Ten Hag. 

The second option is Gareth Southgate, who recently left the role as the England national team head coach. Southgate, like Tuchel, was linked with the job months ago when Ten Hag's employment status seemed doomed. INEOS seem to be returning to the original plan, and should the results continue as they have, either name could be replacing Ten Hag in the dugout at some point this season.