Man United squad issue spells disaster for Erik ten Hag as caretaker manager lined up

Erik ten Hag's era at Manchester United appears to be in its twilight after a disappointing start to the Premier League and Europa League campaigns.

The Dutchman was handed a new contract at Old Trafford in the summer despite Ineos holding talks with Thomas Tuchel about potentially taking over. MEN Sport understands that while United decided to stick with Ten Hag after the meeting with the German, they would be interested in revisiting Tuchel as a potential replacement for the incumbent boss should they decide to sack him.

On Tuesday, Ineos big hitters, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Dan Ashworth and Sir Dave Brailsford, attended a 'routine' meeting in London where first-team results and subsequently Ten Hag's future were discussed. Currently, Ten Hag's future remains in limbo as the board weighs up their options.

READ MORE: United 'snap up' new coach ahead of sack decision

READ MORE: Schmeichel explains why United should stick with Ten Hag

In the meantime, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest media headlines.

Squad disgruntled with Ten Hag

According to the Daily Mail, members of the United squad are becoming disgruntled with Ten Hag's continuous use of the rotation policy. It is believed some players who have missed out recently or have been replaced in matches are shocked to hear the reasoning for this is because they are tired.

Many players would apparently prefer to play through this period and gain some rhythm with their teammates rather than chopping and changing.

What MEN Sport says: Shock horror, players who are not playing are unhappy by their lack of playing time. It would be surprising if they were happy being on the bench. However, the problem for Ten Hag is that it feels like the squad are confused by his approach. If the manager claimed it was tactical rather than due to tired legs, perhaps squad members would react more kindly to it. But it seems Ten Hag has dug himself a hole at Old Trafford that could ultimately be his undoing. In such a precarious position, honesty is the best policy for Ten Hag but if the squad perceive that they are being lied to, they are hardly likely to back their manager if/when they are asked for their opinions on whether he stays or goes.

Caretaker manager lined up if Ten Hag is sacked

According to The Guardian, Ineos have lined up their caretaker manager should they choose to sack Ten Hag. It is believed current assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy will be handed the privilege to manage the team temporarily while the search begins for a new permanent boss.

What MEN Sport says: It makes perfect sense to bring in Van Nistelrooy in as the care-taker manager should Ten Hag be sacked. United have gone down the route of bringing in an outsider as temporary boss with Ralf Rangnick and it was disastrous. The former striker would bring some continuity to the club and let's not forget he would be watched closely by Ineos as they put him on an effective trial-run. The prospect of hiring Van Nistelrooy would appeal to Ratcliffe and co. but with plenty riding on this appointment, they will be eager for the ex-PSV Eindhoven head coach to prove himself first.

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