'Safe and sensible' - Lee Sharpe sends shock Man United manager message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Former Manchester United and England winger Lee Sharpe has named the manager he thinks should be given the job of leading the club next season.

Erik ten Hag has come under increasing pressure after a dismal campaign. United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are all but over and they sit seventh in the Premier League table.

The FA Cup remains the one hope of success this term, with United taking on Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday. Even winning that trophy, however, may not be good enough to save Ten Hag from the axe.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are assessing the Dutchman's future and weighing up a series of potential candidates to replace Ten Hag. Among the options is England manager Gareth Southgate, who is admired by Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford and the incoming United sporting director Dan Ashworth.

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Southgate remains the favourite with bookmakers but ex-England winger Sharpe believes his style isn't right for Old Trafford. Southgate has guided England to a World Cup semi-final and the final of the European Championship, but has often been criticised for a cautious approach in games.

"Southgate obviously has the experience on the big stage and they don’t come much bigger than managing England,” Sharpe said. “He has dealt with the pressure of that exceptionally well, but I’m just not sure he’s right for Manchester United.

"He isn’t positive or attacking enough for United, he’s too safe and sensible – I’m not sure he’s the right fit. At the moment he is picking from the best crop of players in the