With Manchester United currently faltering under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Norwegian is facing a fight to turn things around.
Not for the first time, the 48-year-old has found himself under pressure. And with some big managers currently free, talk of the sack is unlikely to subside.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed United are, for the time being, committed to Solskjaer.
However, he also stated that the situation ‘may change’ if the 48-year-old fails to turn things around.
“Manchester United expect results to improve, but the club have no plans to replace Solskjaer,” he said.
“There is no contact with other managers. They still think he’s the right fit for this project.
“Manchester United are not panicking and know Solskjaer will need time to improve the team, to start and rebuild the identity with Cristiano and adapt to him as the new key player.
“They also know Sancho and Varane will need time to adjust to the Premier League and Solskjaer is the man they want as manager.
“If the situation becomes worse in the coming weeks the managerial situation may change.”
To be abundantly clear, United aren’t thinking of relieving Solskjaer of his duties just yet.
But with some of his big names unhappy, it’s not a perfect scenario.
And Express sport have revealed three candidates United could turn to if they’re forced into cutting the 48-year-old loose.
Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte teams aren’t known for their free-flowing football.
But that doesn’t matter. He’s a serial winner who will have to be top of United’s wishlist if they’re to give Solskjaer the boot.
Conte has a history of achieving glory throughout his career. He turned Juventus around, won the Premier League title with Chelsea and, last term, guided Inter Milan to Serie A glory by coaxing the best from their squad.
United would have to put up with the Italian’s combative nature, something that’s been his undoing in the past.
However, it’d be worth the punt if Conte can steer them to the Premier League title they covet the most.
Zinedine Zidane
Like Conte, Zinedine Zidane is also available.
The Frenchman quit his job at Real Madrid earlier in the year and, though his final season at the Bernabeu didn’t meet expectations, he still won the lot during his two stints at the helm.
Zidane possesses tactical nous and he’s previously managed Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, who both enjoyed the experience.
He was linked with the job in 2018 when Jose Mourinho was under pressure.
And though there’s an expectancy that he’d prefer a job abroad, United could tempt him if they make a move.
Brendan Rodgers
With no Premier League or Champions League to his name, Brendan Rodgers would have a serious point to prove.
But he’s worked wonders during his time at Leicester, helping them win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Rodgers previously managed Liverpool but, given he failed to win the big titles at Anfield, that shouldn’t impact the United hierarchy’s thinking.
He’d bring an attacking style with him to Old Trafford.
And though Rodgers would be a risk, his managerial career so far suggests he’s certainly worthy of consideration.