Manchester United 'make decision over Erik ten Hag future ahead of next season'

The Red Devils have seen their Champions League hopes take a huge hit over the last seven days, drawing 1-1 with Brentford last weekend before losing 4-3 at Chelsea on Thursday night.

Man United had been ahead in stoppage time in both of those fixtures in London but came away with just a point to show for their efforts, and they are currently sixth in the table, nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on the same number of matches (30).

There has been widespread speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future at the helm, with the Dutchman yet to receive public backing from new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

However, according to inews, Ten Hag's job is not in danger, with the Dutchman expected to remain in charge heading into next season, even if a Champions League finish in the Premier League is not achieved.

Ratcliffe not planning Ten Hag departure at this moment in time

The report claims that a particularly poor end to the season could force Ratcliffe and his team to change their mind, but there is currently a lack of viable alternatives.

England manager Gareth Southgate and ex-Chelsea head coach Graham Potter are seen as the favourites to replace Ten Hag, should the former Ajax boss lose his job.

Southgate is allegedly keen to sign another contract with the Three Lions to lead them into the 2026 World Cup, though, and appointing the 53-year-old would be a risk considering his lack of experience in club management.

Julian Nagelsmann is said to be keen to remain with Germany, meanwhile, and links with Zinedine Zidane are thought to be wide of the mark, with the Frenchman not interested in a switch to England.

Ten Hag confident that he will keep Man United job

Liverpool are searching for a new manager this summer, with Jurgen Klopp preparing to leave, and their leading target is thought to be Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim.

Ten Hag has said that he has "no doubts" over his future at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman confident that he will be in charge heading into next season.

The 54-year-old led Man United to silverware in the EFL Cup last term, while the club are still active in this season's FA Cup, preparing to face Coventry City in the semi-finals of the competition on April 21.

Ratcliffe is believed to be sympathetic to Ten Hag when it comes to the club's injury problems this term, as the head coach has hardly been able to select his strongest side due to a host of fitness issues.

The 20-time English champions will be aiming to bounce back from their last-gasp defeat at Chelsea when they welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.