Sir Alex Ferguson has been tipped to make a shock return to Manchester United as pressure mounts on current manager Erik ten Hag.
Speculation before the international break suggested Ten Hag might be sacked during the two-week period, following a run of five matches without a win in all competitions.
Despite those rumours, the Dutchman looks set to remain in charge but will need to turn the club’s fortunes around – and fast – if he is to remain in charge.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has refused to give the former Ajax boss assurances over his future, despite handing him a contract extension to 2026 in the summer.
Asked by the BBC prior to the international break whether he still had faith in Ten Hag, Ratcliffe said: “I don’t want to answer that question… I like Erik.
“I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”
In the summer, United conducted a search for a potential replacement for Ten Hag – interviewing several candidates including Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino – before deciding to keep the Dutchman.
Tuchel and former England boss Gareth Southgate are still among the favourites to replace Ten Hag, should he be sacked, as is current assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The uncertainty surrounding the club is a far cry from the stability – and success – of the Ferguson era at Old Trafford.
The Scotsman cemented his reputation as one of the greatest managers in history during a remarkable 27-year spell in charge.
Under Ferguson, United won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues before he finally stepped down as manager in 2013.
And despite now being aged 83, Ferguson is being tipped to make a shock return to the dugout.
Former England international Paul Gascoigne has called on United to bring back Ferguson for ‘one more season’ if they decide to part ways with Ten Hag.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been linked with a shock return to Manchester United (Image: Getty)
Asked whether he could see Ten Hag surviving until Christmas, Gascoigne told SportsCasting: “It’s like me as a player, I knew I was good. And it doesn’t matter who I was up against, or replacing, for instance, no problem.
“To follow Alex Ferguson, a few of them, even Jose Mourinho didn’t last long, David Moyes not for long.
“Looking at Ten Hag, I feel sorry for him a bit. I would love Alex Ferguson to take over just for one season and just see what he could do with those players because I think some of them take the p*** out of Ten Hag.
“You’ve got to give the man a bit of respect and it’s such a massive club, I don’t think some of the players realise who they’re playing for.”
However, it looks unlikely Ferguson will return to United as manager, even if Ten Hag is given the boot.
Speaking in 2013, shortly before his successor David Moyes was sacked, Ferguson ruled out returning to the hot seat.
“I’m not interested in managing again or getting myself worked up about Manchester United’s results,” said the then 71-year-old.
“You would be throwing your money down the drain if you put any money on me coming back as a manager.
“United are in good hands with David Moyes. He will be fine. He’s a good manager. I made my decision. The timing was perfect. There is no way back for me now. I’ve got a new life.”