Man Utd’s Erik ten Hag replacement? Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui tipped to take over from Dutchman after being considered ‘best-placed’ for Red Devils role

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the 57-year-old is "very well placed" to be United's next manager if Ten Hag is relieved of his duties. The report states the Spaniard rejected a lucrative £15.5 million ($19.4m) a year offer from a Saudi Arabian team as he is eyeing another role in England, where he currently resides. Moreover, United reportedly value the work the former Sevilla manager did at Wolves - a team he left in August after leading them to 13th last season - and in Europe.

United repeatedly veer from something akin to a crisis to relative calmness on a near-monthly basis. On Tuesday, they exited the Champions League following a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich, they are out of the Carabao Cup - the trophy they won last term - and they are way off the pace in the Premier League title race. If Lopetegui does succeed Ten Hag, that will be their sixth permanent boss following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement after 27 years in charge, which came just over a decade ago.

Lopetegui left Wolves this summer after less than a season in charge. The club knew he wanted to leave for some time as both parties had "accepted their differences of opinion on certain issues and agreed that an amicable end to his contract was the best solution". He was then succeeded by former Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil.

Ten Hag's United travel to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Time may be running out for the Dutchman if they continue to pick up defeats, with Lopetegui likely waiting in the wings.