Manchester United fan favourite may find replacing Ten Hag difficult to turn down amid Sir Alex Ferguson meeting

Reports are intensifying around Ruud van Nistelrooy becoming caretaker manager, should the club decide to sack Erik ten Hag after a slow start to the 2024/25 season.

The former United goalscorer, who returned to the club as Erik ten Hag’s assistant in the summer, has been tipped as the favoured candidate to replace his counterpart on an interim basis.

However, there would be an opportunity for Van Nistelrooy to earn the job permanently, if he impresses as a caretaker.

GiveMeSport relayed the same line as The Guardian by stating Van Nistelrooy is likely to take over, should United drop the axe on Ten Hag, but is has been reported that no discussions have taken place with other managers.

That said, Thomas Tuchel was linked with the job this morning after meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer.

Sources in the Netherlands have told GiveMeSport that Van Nistelrooy would find it hard to turn down the United job, although it is our understanding that he does not want to be seen as the one to stab Ten Hag in the back by disrespecting the current manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson spotted at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted leaving Old Trafford this evening after attending a meeting with key members of the Manchester United leadership team, as per the Manchester Evening News.

With tomorrow’s executive meeting in London, we can safely say it’s already been a busier than usual international break for United and they’re wasting no time.

It will be interesting to learn whether Ferguson believes United should continue stand by Erik ten Hag or if he gives his blessing to Van Nistelrooy.