Sir Jim Ratcliffe's potential Erik ten Hag replacement at Man United has raised one major concern

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have a major decision to make on Erik ten Hag's future over the next few months.

Manchester United sit sixth in the Premier League table, 11 points off the top four and six off Tottenham in fifth having played a game more. They are also out of Europe and face a daunting FA Cup tie against Liverpool this month.

Some will argue that many of United's struggles have been beyond Ten Hag's control, with issues on and off the pitch including sagas around Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and a lengthy injury list which would have meant any manager would struggle. It could also be argued that the Dutchman deserves the chance to work under a proper football structure with radical changes planned under Ratcliffe.

READ MORE: Manchester United are in a situation they've never been in before with the manager

READ MORE: Ten Hag is failing on four of the five counts

But the expectations at Old Trafford are huge and after finishing third last season, United have regressed badly and with the lofty ambitions of Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, many are questioning whether Ten Hag will fit their vision. One of the contenders who is under consideration to replace the former Ajax manager is Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

The Italian has taken the Seagulls into Europe for the first time in their history, as they prepare to face Roma in the last 16 of the Europa League. They also reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season, narrowly losing to United on penalties at Wembley.

However, like Ten Hag's team, Brighton have also gone backwards of late, even if their fall has not been as spectacular. De Zerbi's side have won just five of their last 21 league matches and have slipped down to ninth in the table which would see