Sir Alex Ferguson offers Thomas Tuchel alternative to Man Utd despite brutal axe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has relieved icon of his ambassadorial duties but can still take his management suggestion.

The Scot, who retired in 2013, has continued to watch on from the stands while picking up a £2million-a-year salary. Ratcliffe has once this season expires amid continued doubt over the club's manager situation.

Erik ten Hag has struggled in the dugout so far this term, which follows on from last season's difficulties. The Dutchman survived a summer review to retain his job but, despite spending notable sums in recent months, has United sat in the bottom half.

Their record after seven games is their worst ever start to a season and the pressure is ramping up on Ten Hag. He looks to have survived the international break amid talk of change with Ferguson already giving a ringing endorsement of Max Allegri as the team's next manager.

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The ex-Juventus boss recently left his role in Turin but the Italian, a serial Serie A winner and two-time finalist, is understood to have the backing of Ferguson, claims , should United opt for a mid-season change.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS lieutenants are having to reconsider their options, given Thomas Tuchel was reportedly their top target. The German was told he was in pole position to replace Ten Hag should that become a reality, but he's now been snapped up by England.

It means one of the major unemployed managers has now been taken off the market. United held talks with Tuchel in the summer following with exit, but chose not to make a change and have now missed out on the opportunity.

Ratcliffe has shown his ruthless side when it comes to Manchester's staff but has not yet made a cut throat decision in the dugout. His cost-cutting measures have made headlines with a number of individuals made redundant whilst several privileges have been taken away.

The decision to rid of Ferguson's hefty outlay has attracted controversy but the relationship between the part owner and the former manager is understood to amicable. Eric Cantona is among those to hammer the INEOS chief though as he said: “Sir should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever. And I throw them all in a big bag of sh*t!”

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