The debate around Erik ten Hag led by former Manchester United stars has prompted "at least two" potential successors to think carefully about taking the manager's job at Old Trafford, it has been claimed.
Ten Hag's future has been the topic of plenty of debate, with Monday's heavy defeat at Crystal Palace not helping his cause. United are already guaranteed to finish on fewer points than the forgettable 2013-14 season under David Moyes, and are four points off their lowest ever Premier League tally with three games remaining.
There are a number of players from United's recent past in punditry roles. Gary Neville is a fixture on Sky Sports, with Rio Ferdinand regularly appearing on TNT Sports, while the likes of Roy Keane, Michael Owen and Paul Scholes have also made frequent media appearances.
United are not expected to decide on their next manager until after the end of the season, with an FA Cup final to come against Manchester City. That hasn't stopped plenty of names being linked with the job, though, even if some may have cooled their interest.
According to The Telegraph, more than one potential candidate is worried about the stream of noise from opinionated ex-players. While this is not said to be an absolute barrier to them taking the job if offered, it's understood to be a serious consideration.
The latest criticism of Ten Hag came just hours after former United boss David Moyes' exit from West Ham was confirmed. The Scot will leave East London by mutual consent when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Moyes' future was debated over the weekend after a hammering at Chelsea, with Julen Lopetegui in the frame to take his place. It's a different situation to the one at Old Trafford, though, where Ten Hag has a contract running until 2025 and would only depart if an active decision to change managers takes place.
Should potential Manchester United managers be put off by ex-players? Have your say in the comments section
Former United midfielder Scholes was among the latest to take aim at United after Monday's loss. Michael Olise scored twice in a thumping win for Palace, and Scholes - part of United's last Premier League winning squad - questioned whether it was time for Ten Hag to go.
"Tonight almost felt like a final nail in the coffin," Scholes told Premier League Productions. "There was a lack of knowhow in the team, a lack of effort, going to a team like Crystal Palace, who to be fair are a good team and are doing well, but Manchester United shouldn't be going there and losing 4-0.
"I felt for a while he (Ten Hag) might get another year and work for a club that has calmed down a little by the new owners but it doesn't feel like that now. I thought who is out there to replace him? With Thomas Tuchel saying he's leaving Bayern Munich, I don't think that creates a bigger problem for him (Ten Hag) as the problems are there anyway, I think it's quite plain to see that he's on borrowed time."
DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS!Join our petition to keep the magic of the FA Cup alive!
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.