GARETH SOUTHGATE is the odds-on favourite to replace Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United hot-seat.
Ten Hag, 54, suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat to Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Two errors from Casemiro and one from Kobbie Mainoo saw the Reds profit with three goals from three turnovers, though this is something Slot anticipated as he broke down the United tactics on live TV.
Former Ajax boss Ten Hag was backed to stay on at the end of last season after winning the FA Cup.
However, two defeats from their three opening games of the Premier League season are already testing fans’ patience.
Ultimately, the decision on his future will be made by United chiefs brought in by Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his minority takeover.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Ratcliffe openly admitted his Ineos staff considered alternative coaching choices, before deciding to keep faith and back the Dutchman for the new season.
But Sky Bet have now slashed odds on Man Utd’s next manager following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
They have tipped former England boss Southgate as the red-hot favourite to be the Red Devils’ next permanent manager at odds of 2/1.
Mauricio Pochettino, who has reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of the US men’s national team, is second with odds of 5/2.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Man Utd assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is third on the list at 4/1.
Former Man Utd assistant and Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna ranks fourth at odds of 6/1, while ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has odds of 9/1.
Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter all have longer odds of 10/1, 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Ten Hag’s next test will be against Southampton away after the international break.
Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
MANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.
Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.
But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?
Andre Onana – 5
Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error.
Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.
Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.
Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Casemiro – 2
A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.
He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.
Marcus Rashford – 3
Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.
Subs
Tom Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5
A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.
Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5
Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.
Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5
Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.
Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/A
Not on long enough to make an impact.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
