Manchester United reportedly have no immediate plans to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag and have quashed rumours of exploring alternatives to the Dutchman.
The 53-year-old has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks having overseen the club's worst start to a season for 61 years, following a run of eight defeats in 15 matches.
United crashed out of the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday after suffering a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United, just four days after losing by the same scoreline against bitter rivals Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Red Devils already find themselves eight points behind the top four after 10 games and also face an uphill battle to progress from their Champions League group as they currently sit third behind Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Ten Hag has insisted that he is "a fighter" and is "confident" that Man United can quickly turn their fortunes around under his management.
© Reuters
Ten Hag replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Man United manager in July 2022 and ended the club's six-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup last season, as well as securing Champions League qualification courtesy of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
However, following a dismal start to the new campaign, some Man United players are allegedly beginning to question Ten Hag's credentials as a manager, raising doubts about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
A recent report claims that Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery and former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui have both been identified as possible replacements for Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, The Times claims that Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim could also be viewed as potential replacements.
The same report states that Ten Hag is considered to be "on thin ice" and Man United's terrible start to the campaign has left the Dutchman at risk of being sacked if he cannot improve his side's form.
© Reuters
However, club sources are claimed to have stated that such rumours are 'categorically false' and the Red Devils do not intend to replace their current manager.
A separate report from Sky Sports News claims that Ten Hag – who is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2025 – retains the backing of Man United's hierarchy and their belief and confidence in the former Ajax boss has not wavered despite recent results.
Ten Hag has won 49 of his 77 games in charge of Man United across all competitions, and he will be eager to claim a landmark 50th victory when the Red Devils take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in an important Premier League contest on Saturday.
Man United will then travel to Denmark to face Copenhagen in a potentially-pivotal Champions League group-stage fixture next Wednesday, before returning to Premier League action with a seemingly favourable-looking home game against Luton Town on November 11.
Oliver Thomas
