Potential Erik ten Hag replacement enters talks for different job, Man Utd candidate is battling Pep Guardiola

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Ineos decided against sacking Erik ten Hag over the international break despite Manchester United’s terrible start to the season.

Manchester United have suffered their worst-ever start to a Premier League season under Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman has narrowly avoided being sacked.

After the dismal 3-0 defeat to Tottenham late last month, the pressure on Ten Hag hit boiling point and he was given two games to turn things around by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United then drew back-to-back games away to Porto and Aston Villa which was enough for Ten Hag to keep his job over the October break.

Ten Hag is expected to take charge of the Red Devils when they return to action against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Plenty of options to replace Erik ten Hag

There were as many as 10 potential replacements for Ten Hag if Ineos decided to pull the trigger, many of which are already known by the United owners after their interviews over the summer.

However, that number will dwindle the longer they leave the decision, with unemployed managers likely to look elsewhere if Ineos stick with Ten Hag.

The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel are all currently out of a job and have been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, although Southgate ruled himself out of the job.

It seems Tuchel is also set to drop out of the replacement list with the former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss now leading the race for the England vacancy.

Thomas Tuchel battling Pep Guardiola for England job

According to Sky Sports, Thomas Tuchel is in “pole position” to become the new England manager.

They claim Tuchel’s representatives have entered talks with the FA as they search for a successor to Southgate.

Tuchel came extremely close to becoming United manager over the summer after talks with Ineos progressed to the point where financial terms were discussed.

However, he will no longer be an option available to Ineos if he takes the England job.

Tuchel is currently in pole position for the England vacancy, but Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola remains the FA’s “dream candidate” according to Fabrizio Romano.

READ MORE: Manchester United sack prediction as Simon Jordan sets date for Erik ten Hag exit

Guardiola is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and the FA have identified him as a top target.

He added fuel to the England rumours this week after saying “anything is possible” when asked about the Three Lions job.