Mark Lawrenson has backed Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge if Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is sacked before the end of the season.

The comprehensive defeat to Liverpool earlier this month has put ten Hag under a lot of pressure and, speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson says he believes his assistant will be handed the reins:

“If Erik ten Hag gets sacked, I could see Ruud van Nistelrooy being put in temporary charge, and if he wins a few games, he will be their new manager.”

“I don’t know who appointed van Nistelrooy, but he seems to have a good relationship with ten Hag – it seems odds-on that he’ll get the job.”

Lawrenson is right to tip van Nistelrooy

There are a couple of reasons why the 48-year-old would be a good choice to succeed ten Hag. Firstly, he is a former player so he would have the fans on his side instantly.

Secondly, and more importantly, van Nistelrooy already has some experience in management. He took charge of PSV Eindhoven for the 2022/23 season, winning the Dutch Super Cup and the Dutch Cup. However, his team did only finish 2nd behind Arne Slot’s Feyenoord.

What are the odds of ten Hag leaving Manchester United?

The Dutchman is currently favourite at the bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked, with Paddy Power pricing him at 3/1 to be let go.

INEOS are unlikely to make a decision on ten Hag’s future anytime soon, despite defeats in 2 of the first 3 league games. Of course, they will be looking for improvements from the team quickly, with the club’s summer signings also needing to bed in.

A win against Southampton this weekend would certainly ease the pressure. The Red Devils take on the Saints at St Mary’s on Saturday lunchtime.

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