Erik ten Hag knows he must beat Tottenham as Man Utd 'explore' out-of-work coach

Manchester United are exploring former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri as a potential replacement candidate should results not improve under Erik ten Hag, according to reports. Ten Hag is under intensifying pressure to turn United’s improved performances this season into wins at the start of a decisive week.

The Red Devils welcome Tottenham Hotspur – similarly struggling for points in the Premier League this term – to Old Trafford today (Sunday).

Both are locked in mid-table on seven points, having won two, lost two and drawn one of their opening five fixtures.

A win against Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic side could help kickstart some much-needed momentum after a slow start in the Premier League and Europa League.

But a third consecutive draw in all competitions or another defeat would ramp up the scrutiny on Ten Hag’s job security.

United are already eight points off the Premier League summit and trail fourth-place Chelsea by six. There won’t be much confidence in trimming that gap away at Aston Villa next weekend, either.

In between Spurs and Villa, United travel to FC Porto – on paper, their toughest opponents of the League Phase.

A failure to triumph in Portugal would extend Ten Hag’s woeful European streak to just one win in 10 outings, stretching back to his first season in charge.

Amid discontent among supporters and progress being shown by United’s rivals, INEOS are reportedly remaining alert to possible contingency plans.

According to CaughtOffside, United’s hierarchy wants to see an improvement in results and more consistent performances in the near future.

Ten Hag’s job is currently not in imminent danger, but a continued failure to win matches would ultimately cost him.

The report claims that some figures within the walls of Old Trafford agree that Allegri should be in the frame if a replacement is required.

No concrete talks have been held with the 57-year-old’s representatives yet, but he is said to be an option actively being explored.

Allegri has been out of work since his dismissal from Juventus at the end of last season, two days after lifting his fifth Coppa Italia.

Despite ending on a high, his return to Turin didn’t go to plan. In his first two seasons back in the dugout, he became the club’s first manager in 36 years to fail to secure silverware in back-to-back campaigns.

However, the Italian coach has accumulated a trophy-winning pedigree throughout his career, and he is reportedly one of Ten Hag’s potential successors.