Man Utd identify 'top target' as Erik ten Hag replacement with deal potentially 'concluded in weeks'

A new favourite has emerged for the Manchester United job, it has been claimed.

Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after his side fell to a dismal 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

Oliver Glasner's men dismantled United, courtesy of a Michael Olise brace, Jean-Phillipe Mateta thunderbolt and Tyrick Mitchell tap-in.

In turn, United have now conceded 81 goals in all competitions this term, the most in a single campaign since 1977, with the club now at risk of missing out on European football altogether.

And amid growing uncertainty regarding Ten Hag's position, several names have been touted as alternatives to the Dutchman.

According to transfer guru Santi Aouna, England boss Gareth Southgate is United's "top target" should they sack Ten Hag.

Aouna alleged that while no deal has yet been agreed, the situation could "develop soon".

The club are reportedly keen to conclude a move for the Three Lions boss in the coming weeks and announce him after the European Championships.

After the Palace defeat Ten Hag told Sky Sports: "It's a goal that shouldn't happen because we really give clear instructions how we should defend this. They didn't bring it on the pitch. We got hammered.

"It is very disappointing. Under-performing. Definitely the worst defeat. We should have done better.

"We are aware, as a team performance, we were not correct, making big mistakes and not following the plan and the script and the rules we have.

"There was one issue but also on the left side, there were two players doubling up on one player. That's very poor defending."

Erik ten Hag's Man Utd future is uncertain (Getty)

When asked about Casemiro's culpability for the goals, Ten Hag continued: "You can't put this [down to] one player. It's a team performance. The throw-in when you concede the first goal, that shouldn't happen.

"That's the team because we don't follow the rules, we don't adapt to a slightly different situation, to organise, to keep control in that situation. Five players over the ball and they have a throw-in, it's not possible.

"It's clear, it's obvious, this is underperforming. We didn't act how we wanted to and it's not good enough. We are very disappointed. Our fans were behind us and we should have kept fighting like the fans did.

"There are always reasons, everyone sees our backline - we have huge problems. At the end of the day, we have to deal with it."

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Gareth Southgate, England, Premier League, Transfer News, Football

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.