Erik ten Hag told he is 'effectively interim until end of season' for Manchester United

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is "effectively an interim coach until the end of the season" - as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to visit Old Trafford for the first time since agreeing to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club.

The 53-year-old has endured a tough second season at Old Trafford, with United having suffered nine defeats in just 20 Premier League games. Ten Hag's side also finished rock-bottom of their Champions League group and saw their reign as League Cup holders ended after a brutal 3-0 thrashing by Newcastle United.

Last month, Ratcliffe's 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club - which has cost over £1bn, was confirmed by the club, subject to approval from the Premier League. Arriving in Manchester with Ratcliffe was Sir Dave Brailsford, the sporting director of Ineos, who is set to oversee the football operations at the club.

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Carragher, however, believes that Ratcliffe and Brailsford will quickly have to make a big decision on the future of Ten Hag and ask themselves whether the Dutchman is a "symbol of the club" they want to build.

Writing in his Telegraph column, the former Liverpool defender-turned-pundit insists that decision could come as soon as when the season ends, with the former Ajax manager far from secure in his position at Old Trafford.

"Erik ten Hag is on trial as Manchester United manager since the Ineos ‘takeover’. He is effectively an interim coach until the end of the season," wrote Carragher. "Unless there is a significant upturn in results and performances, he will have to go.

"This is a natural consequence of significant