Manchester United legend Paul Scholes expects INEOS to sack manager Erik ten Hag at the end of the season.

The Red Devils were very much second best in the Manchester derby, despite holding a 1-0 lead for the majority of the game on Sunday and, asked about ten Hag’s future, Scholes said:

“What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away. I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.”

“From the interviews we’ve heard with Sir Jim [Ratcliffe], I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision.”

“With new owners anyway they always tend to change the manager and especially with the way they’re playing, where there are in the league and what it’s been like in the last couple of seasons, I just think they’ll make a change.”

United’s poor season in numbers

The Red Devils have now lost 11 league games, which is two more than they suffered in the whole of last campaign. There have only been two other years in the Premier League era where United have lost more matches (2014 and 2022).

United have also conceded 3 goals in 7 different fixtures this season, as well as conceding 20 or more shots on 14 separate occasions.

Who are the favourites to replace ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout?

Sky Bet currently have Graham Potter as the leading candidate to be the next United boss. There were reports over the weekend that prospective new sporting director Dan Ashworth has already had a meeting with the former Brighton and Chelsea head coach.

The likes of Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, current Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Zinedine Zidane are also in the running.