Manchester United's trajectory could look very different had they opted to sack Erik ten Hag in 2024, with two men lined up to replace the Dutchman.

Ten Hag would ultimately retain his job despite leading the Red Devils to an eighth place finish in the Premier League - at that point their lowest ever showing. A victory in the FA Cup final at Wembley proved crucial in him remaining in his post.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos were newly on the scene and had scoured the market for a new boss with the decision to sack Ten Hag all but taken, only to change their minds late on.

Prior to that FA Cup success over Manchester City United had looked elsewhere and settled on Thomas Tuchel and Roberto de Zerbi as their two main candidates, reports the Athletic, with both men out of a job at that point.

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

Tuchel had been moved on by Bayern Munich, but had huge pedigree having led them, PSG and Chelsea - leading the Blues to Champions League glory. United's decision to opt out would be England's gain, with the German now leading the Three Lions.

De Zerbi meanwhile had seen his stock continue to rise at Brighton but chose to bring his tenure to an end. He had long been tipped to make the step up but sticking with Ten Hag meant the Italian moved to Marseille, and is now in charge of Tottenham.

Earlier this season he took his Tottenham team to Old Trafford and, even though they escaped with a point thanks to a late header, Tottenham dominated Carrick's side but were hugely wasteful in front of goal.

United's decision to stick by Ten Hag proved short lived and the Dutchman was sacked after just nine Premier League games the following season. It shone a light on the decisions taken by Ineos, who have continued to make calls that have only set the club back.

Ten Hag was allowed to sign the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte, two men who are now deemed surplus to requirements. And following his sacking Ruben Amorim was hired, lasting just 14 months before he was given his marching orders. Carrick's interim spell saw him handed the job on a permanent basis, but he too is now poised for the chop.