'One thing I would say' - Rio Ferdinand shares Erik ten Hag sack theory as Man United pressure grows

Rio Ferdinand believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe won't be afraid to sack Erik ten Hag this summer if the Manchester United manager is no longer viewed as the future of the club.

Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford remains uncertain on the back of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Fulham and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos group have studied replacements for the Dutchman, one of which is Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

The Red Devils are currently eight points adrift of the top four places and have another huge test coming up on Sunday afternoon when taking on Manchester City at the Etihad.

Predicting how the coming weeks could play out, Ferdinand has admitted Ten Hag could be dismissed unless there is a marked improvement in performances.

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"If he [Ten Hag] runs it close [to getting top four], they see an upturn in form and the environment at the training ground and can see something where 'we can see what it looks like going into next season if we add the right pieces to it'... a lot of moving parts have to fall into place for him to stay," the ex-United defender told FIVE.

"If they don't finish the season well, they're losing games and it looks like the dressing room isn't a harmonious place, one thing I would say is I don't think Jim Ratcliffe and his team are shy of making big decisions. It won't be a big thing for them if they had to [sack him]. I don't think they look at it and go 'We've got to work out the media and PR'. No, no. What's right for Man United now? We'll do."

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