Ten Hag’s £9million-a-year contract at Old Trafford runs out in the summer of 2025.

But his future at the Theatre of Dreams has become uncertain after the struggling Red Devils’ fifth defeat in ten league games on Sunday.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Old Trafford in 2013 Man Utd have spent a staggering £38million on sacking managers.

The Glazers would need to pay up Ten Hag’s guaranteed salary if they are to get rid of another boss – which is set to be around £15million, according to the Daily Mirror.

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This amount is a record sum for the club as former managers who were shown the exit door such as David Moyes (£7m), Louis van Gaal (£8.4m) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£7.5m) were paid far less.

Only Jose Mourinho (£15m) has matched the Dutchman’s potential payout.

Ten Hag’s fate at the club has become even more uncertain after he blasted his Red Devil players for their poor showing in the second half against City.

The United Chief claimed his men would never be capable of playing in the manner of his successful Ajax side.

Ten Hag spent a successful four and half seasons from 2017-2022 at the Eredivisie side, winning three league titles.

He told Viaplay: “We will never play that football. Because those were different players. This is also not why I came here.

“We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to because I can’t play the same way. The players decide how you play.

“Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football, I did so last year as well.

“We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here.”

SunSport revealed United’s flops were quick to defend themselves as they were left dumbfounded by the manager’s tactics on Sunday.

A few players made their feelings known in the dressing-room inquest.

In particular, they questioned the positions played by Victor Lindelof and Bruno Fernandes and why Antony was thrown on so late in the game.

And now Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s upcoming arrival could further jeopardise Ten Hag’s role, with possible changes afoot.