Manchester United 'hold secret talks with managers' about replacing Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have reportedly held secret talks with numerous managers about possibly replacing Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag remains under pressure at Old Trafford with United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table and winless in Europe so far this season.

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager has removed one of the main targets for the Red Devils hot seat but there are a number of other options under consideration.

According to the Daily Mail, United spoke to former Barcelona boss Xavi recently, with the likes of Ruben Amorim, Edin Terzic and Thomas Frank also on their shortlist.

Speculation over the future of Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim has intensified after confirmation that his director of football Hugo Viana will be succeeding Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City next season.

Brentford manager Frank has a lot of admirers at United and was among a number of candidates the club reportedly spoke to in the summer before deciding to stick with Ten Hag.

Fulham boss Marco Silva and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna were also apparently interviewed in the summer, while Ten Hag’s assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy could step in at short notice if needed.

Ten Hag has publicly insisted that his position is safe, with pressure lifting somewhat following the 2-1 comeback win over Brentford last weekend.

United drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce in Turkey this week as they continue to search for their first Europa League win of the season and travel to West Ham on Sunday in the Premier League.