Four things that will 'definitely' happen if Man Utd sack Erik ten Hag including huge financial penalty

Erik ten Hag finds himself under huge pressure just weeks into the new Premier League season and is once again fighting to save his job at Old Trafford.

United were dealt another major blow at the weekend with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday.

Despite spending around £180m on new signings this summer, the Red Devils are now 13th in the Premier League – with speculation growing that Ten Hag's position as manager is under threat.

For now, the Dutchman retains the backing of INEOS but defeat to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday and Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday could be final straw for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Here are four things that are set to happen if Ten Hag is axed as manager.

Ruud van Nistelrooy to be named interim manager

If Ten Hag is sacked, the most likely immediate replacement is his assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The former United striker joined Ten Hag's coaching staff this summer after resigning from his role as head coach at PSV Eindhoven.

ESPN report United's hierarchy - led by CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth - view Van Nistelrooy as a 'viable short-term option' to replace Ten Hag if the club decides to part ways with the Dutchman.

Odds slashed on Gareth Southgate taking charge

While Van Nistelrooy is the current bookies favourite to replace Ten Hag on a permanent basis at 2/1, he is closely followed by former England manager Gareth Southgate – who is priced at 4/1.

Expect those odds to drop dramatically if Ten Hag gets the boot, with Southgate available after leaving his role with the Three Lions following Euro 2024.

According to i, Southgate is the 'top pick' among the majority to key figures at United should the club decide to replace Ten Hag.

Speaking earlier this summer, Southgate was coy on his hopes of replacing the former Ajax boss.

"I'm not a big gambling man and bookies, they can make their odds but it's not conversations that's been had with me," Southgate said.

"I've got one thing to focus on. That's having as successful a tournament with England as possible. Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me."

INEOS to feel fan fury

The decision to extend Ten Hag's contract in July raised eyebrows at the time and always looked like a risky call after the club's eighth place finish last season.

It now looks increasingly like a gamble that won't pay off, and if Ten Hag is eventually sacked – questions will be raised about INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's handling of the club over the summer break.

They could become the target of fan fury, something that majority owners - the Glazers - are well-accustomed to.

Ten Hag to receive substantial payout

Ten Hag is under contract with United until 2026 and is set to receive a substantial payout if he is sacked midway through this season.

According to GOAL, it will cost the Premier League club £17.5m to give their manager the boot.

This is thought to be £7.5m more than the £10m it would have cost to part ways with him in June.

Not bad work if you can get it.