SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.
Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.
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Man Utd‘s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.
But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.
With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.
And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.
They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.
Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.
It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.
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Allegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.
He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.
The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.
He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.
Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.
Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.
He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.
‘I’M NOT ANXIOUS’
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.
“We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.
“We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.
“They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”
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