Erik ten Hag forced to take huge pay cut even if he stays on as Man Utd manager

Erik ten Hag will be forced to take a 25 per cent pay cut at Manchester United should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Old Trafford outfit have endured a difficult second season under the Dutchman’s stewardship. They sit seventh in the Premier League, 16 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa but with two games in hand, and they need a miracle to finish in the top four.

That has seen Ten Hag’s position called into question - with it being claimed that Ratcliffe is already sounding out potential replacements. That includes England boss Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Gary O’Neil.

And the former Ajax boss will see his salary decrease even if he stays. According to ESPN, a 25 per cent cut is written into Ten Hag’s deal if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.

He currently banks £9million a year, while that pay packet could potentially fall to £6.75m per year. It is also suggested that any severance package that he is owed would fall dramatically.

Previous reports claimed that it would cost the Red Devils £15m to sack Ten Hag and his staff. Ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United, Ten Hag came out fighting amid questions over his job.

Asked if the Red Devils can still qualify for the Champions League, he replied: "Yes, but we have to win every game. That's what United stands for, that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already warned Ten Hag that getting into the Champions League is a priority for the Red Devils this season. Speaking last month, the INEOS owner said: “We really, really want to get into the Champions League next