Sir Alex Ferguson ‘has chosen Erik ten Hag’s replacement at Manchester United’: Bombshell report in Italy claims legendary manager has had his say as pressure mounts on under-fire boss

A bombshell report in Italy claims ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has the backing of none other than Sir Alex Ferguson to become a potential replacement for embattled Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag was granted a stay of execution after rumors that the Dutchman would be suspended flared up following the 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday.

It was a performance that Red Devils legend Gary Neville branded ‘disgusting’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’, but Ten Hag stuck to his role ahead of two must-win games against Porto and Aston Villa respectively on Wednesday and Sunday.

However, if results do not improve and United end up in the bottom half of the standings next week, the calls for Ten Hag’s head will become louder.

There will be no shortage of names linked to the role if Ten Hag is fired just months after signing a contract extension in the off-season after leading the Red Devils to an FA Cup victory over city rivals Manchester City.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future after recent results

Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly already has an idea of ​​who he wants to replace Ten Hag

Massimiliano Allegri remains a free agent and an attractive option if United part ways with Ten Hag

Former England boss Gareth Southgate is one, while ex-Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi has also been mooted as a candidate.

However, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, former Juventus manager Allegri is an attractive option.

The report also claims that Allegri has ‘an exceptional sponsor at his side’ in the form of Ferguson.

It is further stated that Allegri’s ‘ability to adapt to the most complex situations in dressing room management’ is another major bonus in his favor should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties.

Allegri is a free agent after being sacked by Juventus just days after winning the Coppa Italia last season.

Juventus defeated Atalanta 1-0 to secure Allegri his only trophy of his second spell at the Old Lady, but the post-match scenes ultimately led to his dismissal.

Allegri was sent off in the final minutes of the match for losing his temper on a technical level.

The 57-year-old also took aim at the media when he threatened and insulted a respected Italian journalist in the aftermath of Juventus’ victory.

If Ten Hag cannot turn around United’s results this week, the pressure will continue to mount

Allegri’s last act as Juventus manager was to lead the team to victory in the Coppa Italia

But the final stages of the match were mired in controversy when Allegri lost his head

According to Sky Italia, Allegri also reportedly irritated some of the club’s senior officials by trying to keep Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli out of the team’s festivities.

In a statement announcing Allegri’s departure, Juventus outlined that ‘certain behaviour’ during and after Allegri’s final was ‘incompatible’ with the club’s values.

Allegri was replaced by Thiago Motta, who led Bologna to a place in the Champions League this year.

It ended a less stellar second spell at Juventus for Allegri, who won five Scudettos and four Coppa Italia trophies in his first spell at the Old Lady.