Erik ten Hag can repeat Sir Alex Ferguson FA Cup trick to save Manchester United job

Erik ten Hag could take a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson's book tonight to send a message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Manchester United hierarchy.

The Dutchman faces an increasingly uncertain future at Manchester United, with Ratcliffe determined to the club back to 'the very top of English, European and world football'. The INEOS chairman reached an agreement with the Glazer Family late last year to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils, vowing to bring back the glory days.

Ratcliffe has already great progress at United by giving the boardroom a shake-up. The likes of Sir David Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc and Omar Berrada have been brought in to assist with the club's rebuild. The British billionaire has shown no sign of slowing down either, with his next task potentially the future of Ten Hag.

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The Manchester Evening News understands Ten Hag's future at United remains uncertain as the team prepares for a pivotal week. Ineos are understood to have analysed potential replacements should they decide a change of manager is required in the coming months. Brighton coach Roberto de Zerbi is understood to be of interest to United and the Italian is also regarded as one of the frontrunners to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

A well-placed source said Ratcliffe is "not completely sold" on Ten Hag, who presided over United's 10th Premier League defeat of the season to Fulham on Saturday. Figures at United accept there is "noise" around Ten Hag's position but maintain the club can still enjoy a successful season should they win the FA Cup and