Man Utd 'already have plan in place' if INEOS are forced to sack Erik ten Hag soon

Dwight Yorke believes Manchester United will be eyeing Ruud van Nistelrooy as an internal successor if they are forced to sack Erik ten Hag this season. The 1999 treble winner has admitted his concern with the circumstances as Ten Hag enters a high-pressure third campaign following a largely dismal second year in charge.

Van Nistelrooy completed a shock return to Old Trafford earlier this summer as part of a coaching upheaval overseen by INEOS.

The former United striker joined Rene Hake and Andreas Georgson as part of Ten Hag’s new-look backroom staff, with Mitchell van der Gaag, Benni McCarthy and Steve McClaren leaving.

His exciting return was met with surprise, considering he made a name for himself as a manager during a one-season stint at PSV Eindhoven, winning the KNBV Cup.

But Yorke is convinced United appointed Van Nistelrooy with the plan of naming him Ten Hag’s replacement if the Dutchman endures another disastrous start.

“It’s obvious to everyone what Manchester United would do if they sacked Erik ten Hag and that’s to appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy,” Yorke told BoyleSports.

“It’s really not an ideal situation if you are the manager. I know Ruud personally, and he’s a great guy; he’s got his own ambitions, and he’s obviously set that out in the past.

“I can only speak for myself. I don’t really like it when you’re going into a job, knowing that if things don’t go well enough for your boss, then you can step into that position.”

Yorke is convinced “something is not quite right” about the situation despite admitting that the opportunity to return to United may have been too enticing to turn down.

He added: “I’ve got to be honest. I’d rather sit on the side and be clear in my intention of being a full-time manager.

“I just think the environment is not quite right, even though you’re pushing for the team to win, and I’m sure that’s the case with Ruud.

“But if that doesn’t go well, then there is only one person who’s going to take the blame and be sacked.

‌”That is unless Ruud decides to leave if Ten Hag goes, but personally, I wouldn’t like to be in his position.”

Ten Hag seemed destined to be sacked months ago before he inspired United to an incredible FA Cup triumph against Manchester City.

But INEOS’ supposed U-turn after interviewing multiple replacement candidates suggests he isn’t secure, especially if United look at risk of repeating their nightmare eighth-place Premier League finish.