'They have been sounded out' - Man United next manager clue dropped by national media

Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season with the latest defeat coming at the hands of West Ham.

The Dutchman had been on borrowed time since the summer and the United board decided that now was the right time to pull the plug after lining up potential permanent replacements.

First-team coach and club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has been placed in temporary charge but could also land the job long-term if a suitable alternative can't be found.

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Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been linked with the role along with ex-Barcelona boss Xavi, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim and Brentford coach Thomas Frank. United owe Ten Hag a large payout though which could impact their FFP standing and result in an unemployed coach being courted.

Van Nistelrooy's audition begins on Wednesday as United host Leicester City in the Carabao Cup last 16 before a crucial clash with Chelsea at the weekend.

Below, the national media have had their say on Ten Hag's departure and who could replace him...

Mark Critchley of The Athletic wrote: "For United's key decision makers to finally part with Ten Hag after a narrow defeat in highly controversial circumstances may come as a surprise to some. Yet with his side hitting 14th in the table, having won only four of their 14 games others may ask what the sense was in waiting any longer.

"Despite a summer of change around him, as well as more than £200 million spent on the playing neither results or performances have notably improved. It will now fall