SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.
Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.
Man Utd‘s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.
But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.
With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.
And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.
They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.
Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.
It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.
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Allegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.
He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.
The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.
He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.
Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.
Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.
He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.
“We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.
“We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.
“They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”
MANCHESTER City midfielder Matheus Nunes has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone in a Madrid nightclub.
The 26-year-old Portuguese international is said to have been held at sprawling disco La Riviera and taken to a local police station for questioning.
Respected Spanish daily El Mundo said the arrest occurred around 5.30am on September 8 after he was accused of taking the phone from a 58-year-old man who had tried to take a photo of him without permission in the nightclub toilets.
Brazilian-born Nunes is said to have snatched the mobile in a fit of anger and refused to return it.
Police made the arrest according to El Mundo after being called to the club and confirming the footballer still had the phone in his possession.
The former Wolves player was reportedly handcuffed at the nightspot before being taken to a National Police station in the Madrid neighbourhood of Arganzuela.
He was released hours later following the intervention of a lawyer.
El Mundo reported he is expected to face charges and trial over the incident.
National Police in Madrid could not be immediately reached for comment early this morning.
Following the alleged arrest, Nunes has played in matches against Brentford, Watford and in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava – which ended in a 4-0 win.
Nunes signed for Man City from Wolves last year for a transfer fee of £53million.
He has played 35 times for Pep Guardiola‘s side overall, scoring one goal and adding six assists.