Members of the Manchester United first-team squad reportedly do not expect Erik ten Hag to remain in the dugout past the end of this season.
The Dutchman is currently in his second campaign at Old Trafford, the first deemed a relative success with an EFL Cup trophy and third-placed finish in the Premier League.
However, despite a recent winning streak in the short term, United have still suffered early Champions League elimination and remain as outsiders to qualify for next season's competition.
On the back of Sunday's Manchester derby defeat to neighbours Manchester City, United now sit six points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and 11 behind Aston Villa in fourth position.
There is also just a four-point gap to Newcastle United, who are eighth, although Ten Hag has guided United through to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Liverpool.
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Behind the scenes, the incoming of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner and leader of footballing operations at Old Trafford is likely to lead to upheaval on the playing side of things.
The same uncertainty comes with the territory of Ten Hag's job, too, and it may take a fourth-placed finish or winning the FA Cup to extend his stay in the dugout.
According to the Daily Mail, members of the squad are of the opinion that they anticipate the departure of their manager.
Although there is said to be support of Ten Hag from some quarters of the dressing room, they still expect Ratcliffe to opt for a change in direction.
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As well as Ratcliffe openly speaking about the importance of remaining in the Champions League, he has also attempted to instigate major changes in the setup off the pitch.
Omar Berrada has left Man City to become United's new chief executive, while United are eager to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as their new director of football over the coming months.
A wide range of options could be on the market in the summer, albeit with United not as the most attractive option with Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all requiring new managers.
With United potentially not making any concrete decisions over Ten Hag's future until the end of the season, it remains to be seen what alternatives to the former Ajax man will be available.
Darren Plant
