INEOS have not sounded out the likes of Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate or Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Potter, the former Brighton and Chelsea manager, along with Southgate and Nagelsmann, have been suggested as potential candidates for the job in recent weeks but, speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said:

“At the moment, they haven’t made contact with Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate or Julian Nagelsmann, from what I understand. INEOS know Graham Porter very well because they wanted him at Nice.

“For sure, he is a manager who is appreciated, but it doesn’t mean that they appreciate the same manager for Nice and Manchester United. They didn’t make recent contact with Graham Potter for the Manchester United job, from what I understand, so that’s the situation around him.”

Ten Hag is a man under pressure

United’s recent results mean that the club may not even qualify for Europe through the league this season. The 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at the weekend means they have dropped down to 7th in the table, with Chelsea just 3 points behind them with a game in hand.

Winning the FA Cup would secure a Europa League spot, in addition to a domestic trophy, and winning the competition may be the only way ten Hag can save his job.

Who are the favourites to become the next Manchester United manager?

England boss Gareth Southgate remains the bookies favourite to succeed ten Hag if the Dutchman does lose his job. Potter is second in the running, while another former Chelsea head coach, Thomas Tuchel, is third favourite.

Current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is also a contender, with Nagelsmann 5th among the runners and riders at the bookmakers. However, the Germany boss is reportedly poised to return to Bayern Munich so the chances of him moving to Old Trafford are unlikely.