Manchester United are set to afford Erik ten Hag patience amidst speculation about his potential dismissal.

Manager Erik ten Hag might face escalating pressure at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi is being considered as a potential replacement. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United’s interest in De Zerbi and INEOS’ stance on ten Hag.

Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS acquiring a 25% stake in the club, there’s speculation about a potential change in management once their behind-the-scenes appointments are finalized. Although Ten Hag had a successful season previously, clinching the Carabao Cup, Manchester United’s performance has been inconsistent this term.

According to Manchester Evening News, INEOS is evaluating alternatives to ten Hag should they decide to make a change. De Zerbi, currently managing Brighton, has reportedly caught United’s attention and is also considered a frontrunner to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in the future.

Responding to these reports, Romano stated in his Daily Briefing that there’s no substance to the rumors and INEOS intends to give ten Hag the opportunity to evolve:

“My understanding remains that there is nothing concrete to these kinds of stories – Man United are giving Ten Hag time and space to develop his football and his ideas, he also confirmed a very good relationship with INEOS. He has to keep going at the best level in the next three months, that’s obviously important. I’m sure in this time we’ll continue to have many stories about this, but for now, nothing is happening.”

Despite recent rumors surfacing due to United’s latest Premier League result, which has reignited discussions about ten Hag’s future, the club had previously secured four consecutive victories before their defeat to Fulham. Although Rasmus Hojlund has been in fine form, his absence due to injury was felt during the game.

Journalist Santi Aouna suggests that INEOS and Ratcliffe have a desire to appoint former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. Zidane, currently without a club, could be eyed as a long-term replacement for ten Hag, even if the Dutch manager continues to receive support for now.

If it holds true that INEOS is standing by ten Hag for the time being, he will undoubtedly need to demonstrate significant improvement before the season concludes. With Manchester United currently trailing eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, securing Champions League qualification remains a challenging task.