Manchester United would consider appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim coach if they decide to sack Erik ten Hag.
As The Pitch Prospect reported on Monday, Ten Hag is expected to remain in charge until at least Sunday’s game at Aston Villa.
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But a repeat of last weekend’s woeful performance against Tottenham at Villa Park will leave the new Old Trafford hierarchy with an important decision to make before the international break.
While former England coach Gareth Southgate is likely to be one of the main contenders to succeed Ten Hag, the promotion of assistant coach and club legend Van Nistelrooy is not ruled out as a short-term option.
It was noticeable that Van Nistelrooy, who turned down the Burnley coaching job to return to Man United in the summer, was far less visible on the sidelines during the Spurs debacle than in previous games.
Senior United sources insist the board are taking a calm view of the situation but there is an expectation in the dressing room that a change will be made unless results improve quickly.
He’s a shooter
Arsenal are hoping to tie down wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to a long-term contract.
Nwaneri made his debut for Mikel Arteta aged just 15, making him the youngest player ever in the Premier League.
The 17-year-old is so highly regarded by Arteta that when Arsenal looked for a winning goal against Leicester on Saturday, he came on as a substitute ahead of the more experienced Gabriel Jesus.
Enfield-born Nwaneri cannot sign a new contract until he turns 18 in March, but talks are already well underway and he is keen to commit to the Gunners.
Newcastle’s striker search
Newcastle are considering reviving their interest in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January.
The Magpies have made numerous attempts to sign Calvert-Lewin, most recently this summer when they balked at Everton’s £40m asking price.
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However, the 27-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, so the Toffees’ valuation is expected to fall when the transfer window reopens in the new year.
Eddie Howe remains a big fan of Calvert-Lewin and there are concerns that Newcastle could be short-handed in attack.
Hammer’s bankruptcy
West Ham sources have played down a dressing room altercation between manager Julen Lopetegui and winger Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus reacted angrily after being criticized by Lopetegui before being sent off at half-time in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.
But the Spaniard, who has won just one of his first six Premier League games as manager, is said to have felt reassured that the Ghanaian’s passionate reaction showed he cared.
West Ham were 1-0 down when Kudus pounced and salvaged a much-needed point after a disappointing start to the season.