Manchester United reportedly have a shortlist consisting of five managers they are looking at to replace Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman came under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after a dismal start to the new campaign.
Ten Hag kept his job through the international break, suggesting the United board were willing to give him more time.
A 2-1 victory over Brentford after the break appeared to get them back on track, but they stuttered once more in a frustrating 1-1 draw in the Europa League to Fenerbahce before their dramatic 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.
The loss at the London Stadium was the final straw for the United board with Ten Hag relieved of his duties less than 24 hours later.
Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United
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According to Sky Sports, a ‘contingency plan’ had already been put in place earlier this month in case Ten Hag was unable to improve things at Old Trafford.
It’s claimed that they have a five-man shortlist of candidates they’re going to consider as the next United manager.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge on an interim basis and it’s suggested that a permanent appointment is not close.
The five managers supposedly under consideration by United are not named, but Van Nistelrooy will have a chance this week to turn things around at the club.
His first game in charge will be in the EFL Cup against Leicester City on Wednesday before a tricky home league match against Chelsea on Sunday.
Gary Neville feels the United board would have begun working on their contingency plan after the dismal 3-0 loss to Tottenham last month.
“I suspect the Tottenham game was probably a catalyst for them to start thinking about a new manager,” he said.
“You look at who is available then you try to think of the timing. You are half hoping the manager can turn it around but 99 times out of 100, the tide is against you and continues to do so.
“They have chosen a moment that was decided a few weeks ago. That has come yesterday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be the new interim manager
GETTY
“They would have started the process of finding Erik ten Hag’s successor.”
But he isn’t sure whether Van Nistelrooy will be the man United turn to on a permanent basis.
“What is he going to be able to do? He can set-up the team differently but he has been on the bench with Erik ten Hag,” he said.
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“I’d be amazed if something drastic done in the next few days.
“A lot of work needs to be done with these players as they have been struggling. He will do his very best and I have thought they may be better suited going three at the back – maybe that will give them more comfort.
“Whether Ruud does that, I’m not sure.”