Man Utd put Ruud van Nistelrooy on 'standby' as Red Devils prepare to make decision on struggling Erik ten Hag's future

According to The Guardian, Ten Hag's United future will be decided at an executive summit headed by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in London on Tuesday. If the Dutchman is given his marching orders, the report adds club legend and assistant manager Van Nistelrooy is on 'standby' to replace Ten Hag as a potential interim option - before finding a permanent replacement.

Ten Hag has overseen United's worst-ever start to a Premier League season as they sit 14th in the table with just eight points from seven games. The Red Devils spent around £200 million ($261.7m) on players this summer but they are seemingly no better off. If the former Ajax boss was offloaded, United icon Van Nistelrooy would be a popular short-term option but it seems the club's problems go deeper than installing a well-liked figure. The former striker is said to have doubts about taking over as it might be seen as a betrayal of Ten Hag.

Van Nistelrooy, who manager PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season, was appointed as Ten Hag's assistant manager on a two-year deal in July. The Dutchman scored 150 goals in 219 games for United as a player between 2001-06.

While it remains to be seen if Ten Hag will remain in charge at Old Trafford, United will return to Premier League action - following the conclusion of the international break - with a home game against Brentford on October 19.