David Moyes is facing the sack as Manchester United manager, according to unconfirmed reports.
The outgoing Premier League champions have refused to comment on the widespread reports, with several national newspapers claiming his departure is imminent.
Moyes has endured a difficult reign since taking charge of United last summer, but the club were expected to stand by the Scot, despite a lack of success in domestic and European competitions.
United’s board appear set to cut short Moyes’ six-year deal in the wake of the latest 2-0 defeat at former club Everton, which left United 13 points adrift of the Premier League top four.
Reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League did briefly ease the pressure on Moyes, but they bowed out with a 4-2 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich.
Sir Alex Ferguson had urged the club to give the next manager time when he stepped down in May after a glittering spell at Old Trafford, but owners, the Glazer family, seem to have lost patience.
Ferguson, who has watched many of United’s games from the stands, himself had a tough start to his 27-year spell in charge, but went on to win two UEFA Champions League trophies, 13 Premier League titles and five FA Cups.
United are expected to spend heavily in the summer and a successor would be entrusted with the transfer fund, which is reported to be around £150million.
Holland manager Louis van Gaal, who is leaving after the World Cup, Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, and Paris St-Germain’s Laurent Blanc have been tipped as possible contenders to replace Moyes.
Sky Sports pundit Tony Cottee suggested that Moyes had lost the backing of some members of his squad.
Speaking on Gillette Soccer Special, Cottee said: “The key question is has he got the support of the players?
“Looking at the performances, I would say no at the moment. Players are very powerful these days.”
Sky Bet have slashed the odds on Moyes’ departure to 1-10, naming Van Gaal as 4-1 favourite to succeed him, with Klopp at 5-1 and veteran winger Ryan Giggs at 6-1.
Sky sports
