Massimiliano Allegri has the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson to be Erik ten Hag’s replacement as Manchester United manager, according to the Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Italian newspaper says the Italian has an “exceptional sponsor” in the club legend, who wants the two-time Champions League finalist to succeed ten Hag.

At the time of writing, the United board have not made a decision on the current manager’s future. Most assume that the Dutchman will get until the next international break to save his job.

The Red Devils take on Porto in Portugal on Thursday evening before travelling to face Aston Villa this weekend. Defeats in those two games could spell the end of his tenure in charge.

Allegri’s CV is impressive

The 57-year-old has won six Serie A titles, five Coppa Italias and three Italian Super Cups during his time at AC Milan and Juventus, but there are big question marks about his style of play.

Some have likened Allegri’s tactics to Jose Mourinho’s and many doubt that his methods would get the best out of United’s current crop of players.

Who else is in the running for the United job?

Gazzetta claim that former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel is regarded as Allegri’s main rival for the job, with another contender, Simone Inzaghi, unlikely to leave Inter Milan.

Gareth Southgate has also been mentioned as a possible option, having worked closely with sporting director Dan Ashworth as England boss.

Graham Potter could be a potential candidate too. Asked earlier this week whether he had been approached by the Red Devils when INEOS were thinking of sacking ten Hag last summer, Potter said:

“I take what the media say with a pinch of salt. A lot of it is untrue and false. I have a lot of conversations with a lot of people. It’s best I keep them private.”

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here