FFP concern could aid Erik ten Hag's bid to save his Manchester United job as hearing looms

Embattled Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could receive a huge boost in his bid to save his Old Trafford career by the shadow of relegation looming and a points deduction over their FA Cup opponents Nottingham Forest.

The two teams meet tonight at the City Ground in a FA Cup fifth round tie. The game has taken on extra significance for Ten Hag after the weekend's dismal 2-1 home defeat against Fulham.

The Dutchman's future remains uncertain after the Manchester Evening Newsrevealed this week that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos chiefs remain unconvinced he is the right man to lead them forward. Ratcliffe's investment in United was confirmed this month, and alongside Sir Dave Brailsford, he is assessing what is needed to make the club a powerhouse on the pitch again.

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A number of managers are being assessed as potential replacements for Ten Hag, including Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. It all adds to the pressure on the United manager, and he knows a strong FA Cup run - as well as Champions League qualification - may be needed to save his Old Trafford career.

For Forest, however, the challenges are very different, if no less important. With FFP and PSR threats surrounding the club, the focus this week has been less on what they are doing on the pitch and more about off-field matters.

Forest dropped down a place in the table as a result of Everton’s penalty for breaching financial regulations being reduced from 10 points to six on Monday afternoon. They are also facing their own charge of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability