Sir Jim Ratcliffe told he must sack 'laughing stock' Erik ten Hag if one thing happens at Man Utd

Manchester United have 'become a laughing stock' under Erik ten Hag and needs to be sacked if one thing happens at the club, sensationally claims Mark Lawrenson.

Man United lost their ninth league game of the season last weekend as they succumbed to Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest.

The 2-1 defeat at the City Ground leaves Ten Hag's side languishing in eighth place in the table as they park their dismal league campaign to begin their FA Cup venture.

The Red Devils, who last won the competition in the 2015/16 season, face Wigan Athletic in a third round tie next Monday as Ten Hag will be looking to bag his second piece of silverware since his appointment.

Should they lose to the League One outfit, then Lawrenson believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to relieve Ten Hag of his managerial duties at Old Trafford.

"After Manchester United’s lacklustre performance against Nottingham Forest, if they lost to Wigan, Erik ten Hag would have to say, 'thank you but no thank you', because that’s the worst result possible for them, no disrespect to Wigan," he told Paddy Power.

"With Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he’s gone through five managers in OGC Nice. With Manchester United, there are so many other things as well - the roof needs fixing, they will be selling people in the January transfer window, and the club needs a major overhaul, so what does he do?

"If Ten Hag loses at Wigan, he has to go - it's become a laughing stock."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe visits Manchester United's training base. Image: Getty

Man United reached the FA Cup final last season, where they were beaten 2-1 by cross-town rivals Manchester City.

Ten Hag will be looking to go one step better from last season's efforts by winning the historic trophy.

Man United have won the FA Cup on 12 occasions in their history and will be targeting their 13th triumph this season.