Man United’s first choice to replace Erik ten Hag has turned them down

Ten Hag appears to be on borrowed time at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's first choice to replace Erik ten Hag has already rejected the club, according to reports.

Ten Hag has come under intense pressure after Man United's terrible start to the season.

The Red Devils have already lost three Premier League games so far.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur both beat United 3-0 at Old Trafford and Brighton recorded a 2-1 victory against them at the Amex Stadium.

Ten Hag's team have only won twice in the Premier League this season - a 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening night of the season and a 3-0 win over Southampton.

They also haven't scored at Old Trafford in the league since the Fulham win on August 16.

Ten Hag was given a vote of confidence during the summer when United's hierarchy opted to stick with the Dutch coach after he oversaw the FA Cup final victory against Man City.

Yet, despite another summer of transfer spending, there is little sign of progress and the heavy defeat to Spurs has increased the pressure on Ten Hag.

The former Ajax coach will reportedly remain in charge for the games this week against Porto and Aston Villa.

If Man United were to lose those matches, however, the club may be tempted to make a change during the international break.

Should the club, led by the INEOS group, decide to make a change, Thomas Tuchel will likely be among the favourites for the job.

The German coach, who was Bayern Munich manager last season, reportedly spoke to the Man United decision makers during the summer.

According to the Guardian, Tuchel met with Man United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco and 'outlined his vision' for the club.

Tuchel, however, is said to have removed himself from the process following the meeting as he believed that the club's co-owner was not going to offer him the role.

Yet, he could come back into consideration if Ten Hag is sacked in the coming weeks or months.

Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi, two coaches who were also linked with the role, are now in new jobs, meaning a move for Tuchel would be the most straight-forward.

Ten Hag ended up signing a one-year extension until 2026, but appears to be on borrowed time unless he can mastermind a dramatic upturn in results and performances.

Tuchel won the Champions League as Chelsea manager in 2021.