A bombshell report in Italy claims  ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has the backing of none other than Sir Alex Ferguson to become a potential replacement for embattled Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag received a stay of execution after talk of the Dutchman being axed ramped up in the wake of a 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham on Sunday.

It was a performance Red Devils legend Gary Neville branded ‘disgusting’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’, but Ten Hag held on to his role ahead of two must-win matches against Porto and Aston Villa on Wednesday and Sunday respectively.

However, if results do not improve and United go into next week in the bottom half of the table, the calls for Ten Hag’s head will grow louder.

There will be no shortage of names linked to the role should Ten Hag be sacked just months after he signed a contract extension in the off-season after guiding the Red Devils to an FA Cup victory over cross-town rivals Manchester City.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future after recent results

Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly already got an idea of who he wants to replace Ten Hag

Massimiliano Allegri remains a free agent and an attractive option should United part ways with Ten Hag

Former England boss Gareth Southgate is one, while ex-Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi has also been mooted as a a candidate.

However, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, former Juventus manager Allegri poses as an attractive option.

The report also claims Allegri has ‘an exceptional sponsor on his side’ in the form of Ferguson.

It goes on to state that Allegri’s ‘ability to adapt to the most complex situations in the management of the locker room’ is another major bonus in his favour, should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties.

Allegri is a free agent after he was sacked by Juventus just days after he won the Coppa Italia last season.

Juventus overcame Atalanta 1-0 to secure Allegri his only trophy from his second stint at the Old Lady, but the post-match scenes are what ultimately led to his dismissal.

Allegri was sent off in the dying minutes of the contest as he lost his temper in the technical area.

The 57-year-old also took aim at the media, as he threatened and insulted a respected Italian journalist in the wake of Juventus’ victory.

If Ten Hag can’t turn around United’s results this week, the pressure will continue to mount

Allegri’s final act as Juventus manager was to lead the team to victory in the Coppa Italia

But the final stages of the game were mired in controversy as Allegri lost his head

Allegri also reportedly annoyed some of the club’s high-ranking officials by reportedly trying to keep Juventus Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli out of the team’s celebrations, as per Sky Italia.

In a statement announcing Allegri’s exit, Juventus outlined ‘certain behaviours’ during and after the final from Allegri were ‘incompatible’ with the club’s values.

Allegri was replaced by Thiago Motta, who led Bologna to a spot in this year’s Champions League.

It brought an end to a less-than-stellar second stint at Juventus for Allegri, who won five Scudettos and four Coppa Italia trophies in his first spell at the Old Lady.