Manchester United in surprise manager link amid Erik ten Hag future uncertainty

Manchester United have been credited with a report interest in Bologna manager Thiago Motta.

United have had an underwhelming campaign so far and are at risk of not qualifying for Champions League football next season. United are operating under the working assumption Erik ten Hag will remain in charge next season although the Manchester Evening News understands new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is "not completely sold" on the Dutchman.

With Ten Hag's long-term future being questioned at Old Trafford, INEOS have reportedly drawn up a list of potential options, said to include Gareth Southgate and Julian Nagelsmann. Having suffered disappointing results in the Premier League after giving leads away at Brentford and Chelsea, United secured just one point from a possible six.

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The Bees equalised late last weekend while Mauricio Pochettino's side overturned a deficit to snatch victory in extra-time at Stamford Bridge. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Motta is admired by both United and Juventus.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, he is yet to make a decision on his future, though the Italian side are hopeful they can extend his stay at the club.

Motta's agent Dario Canovi has recently backed him to coach a bigger club in the future. He told Milannews.it: "I don’t mean to blow my own trumpet, but even back when he was still playing I was telling him that he would go on to become one of the greatest coaches in Europe.

"I told him a little while back, if you die before coaching in the Champions League, I’ll