Manchester United sporting director Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly makes a decision over his preferred candidate to replace Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils head coach is coming under increased scrutiny courtesy of his side making the worst start to a Premier League campaign in the club's history.

United currently sit in 14th position in the Premier League standings with just eight points being acquired from their opening seven matches.

Draws away at Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the top flight have helped Ten Hag remain in his position for the time being, yet the pressure remains to improve on a run of three wins from 11 games in all competitions during 2024-25.

After the October international break, United face Brentford, Fenerbahce, West Ham United and Leicester City across three different tournaments.

Although that is an easier run of games, on paper, than they have faced recently, failure to get back on track may lead to a change in the dugout.

Who does Ratcliffe prefer?

Former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane and ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel have been persistently linked with moves to Old Trafford.

Both candidates have been associated with national team jobs, Zidane a long-term suggested successor to Didier Deschamps with France and Tuchel recently being viewed as a possible replacement to Gareth Southgate with England.

As per The Express, Zidane is Ratcliffe's 'dream' replacement for Ten Hag, a claim that was reported by Foot Mercato earlier this year.

Jean-Claude Blanc has since left Paris Saint-Germain for United having previously wanted to attract Zidane to Parc des Princes during his time behind the scenes at the Ligue 1 champions.

Zidane is said to have been waiting to succeed Deschamps with Les Bleus, only for Deschamps to sign a contract extension on at least one occasion.

The former midfielder, according to RMC Sport, has no intention of stepping down until beyond the 2026 World Cup.

Will United take advantage?

Having shown a certain level of faith in Ten Hag in the summer, the likelihood is that INEOS would prefer to hand the current incumbent every opportunity to turn things around.

On the flip side, though, there may be the temptation to bring in a high-profile figure if the chance arises over the coming weeks.