Erik ten Hag is being considered by RB Leipzig if they choose to dismiss current manager Marco Rose amid a terrible run of form.
Leipzig’s last six matches in all competitions have produced five defeats and a draw, with their latest outing a 5-1 home loss against Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
Rose’s side sit fourth in the German top flight, so it is not unmitigated disaster, but he must turn this run of results around or faces losing his job.
Sky Germany report that Ten Hag is a name on Leipzig’s radar if they do wield the axe on Rose.
The 54-year-old was sacked as Red Devils boss in October after a poor start to his third season in charge, replaced by Ruben Amorim who arrived from Sporting.
The Dutchman won an FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his stint at Old Trafford, but did not do enough in the Premier League or Champions League to convince the hierarchy he was the right man for the job.
Ten Hag remains a well-respected coach, though, and the Sky report states that he is on Leipzig’s list of possible Rose replacements.
Roger Schmidt is also believed to be a candidate for the role after leaving Benfica at the end of August, but there are doubts over the German’s interest in returning to management mid-season.
Whoever is in charge of Leipzig next month will be working with Jurgen Klopp as he begins his role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer on 1 January.
Ten Hag has kept a low profile since leaving Manchester United, but did pen a message to Red Devils fans thanking them for their support during his time at the club.
‘Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable,’ Ten Hag said via The United Stand.
‘The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.
‘I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
‘I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.
‘We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
‘I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.
‘Thank you for this chapter in my life.’