Sir Jim Ratcliffe “wouldn’t hesitate” to pay the £10m needed in compensation to part ways with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, according to the Daily Star.

The Dutchman remains under pressure, despite beating Liverpool in the FA Cup, and it is expected that he will be sacked by INEOS if he doesn’t qualify for the Champions League.

Ten Hag’s team are currently nine points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth place, although they do have a game in hand which could still prove important in the race for CL qualification.

It should also be noted that, due to the new format, finishing fifth is likely to be sufficient to clinch a spot in Europe’s top competition next season.

Ten Hag will have suitors if he leaves Old Trafford

The Daily Star claim that there are at least three German clubs keeping an eye on the United manager’s situation. Bayern Munich are looking to replace Thomas Tuchel and, while Xabi Alonso is said to be their priority, they may need an alternative if the Spaniard decides to join Liverpool instead.

Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are also looking for a new manager, with Alonso set to leave at the end of the season. Stuttgart are the third team keen on ten Hag, with current head coach Sebastian Hoeness expected to move after guiding his team to 3rd in the Bundesliga table.

Who could United appoint if ten Hag is sacked?

England boss Gareth Southgate, ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter and current Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi are just a few of the names who are set to be considered by Ratcliffe and INEOS.

For now, they are keeping faith with ten Hag but it does appear as if the former Ajax boss has it all to do to prove his worth to the new owners.