Arne Slot might have helped Man United pick Erik ten Hag successor

Manchester United are in another crisis with a manager who looks on the brink. Erik ten Hag has failed to convince the doubters with a heavy defeat to Liverpool earlier this month an early indication that United made a mistake in sticking with him.

Sunday's 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham felt like a new nadir with Ange Postecoglou's team, who were also struggling, enjoying a relatively comfortable afternoon at Old Trafford. The Reds know that feeling all too well and it appears to be happening with growing regularity for United's opponents.

Changes were made this summer to United's coaching staff with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy returning. His arrival drew plenty of headlines and offered an indication that the Red Devils could have a replacement lined up if Ten Hag left.

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And a recent interview with Van Nistelrooy for the Coaches Voice, the Dutchman offered a glowing review of Liverpool boss Arne Slot from when he coached against him in the Netherlands. Slot's Feyenoord came up against Van Nistelrooy's PSV on several occasions in the Dutch top flight.

"In the Eredivisie, I loved going up against Slot," he said. "His teams have a very recognisable style and he is very clear in his ideas.

"He built the Feyenoord squad on those ideas, and he got in the players who could deliver on them. It’s building up from the goalkeeper from the back, combination play and finding the free man everywhere, so you need to make sure your press is right.

"But you also need to get your build-up sorted, because it’s high and intense pressure in your own half. Slot makes you prepare every game properly, but I loved that challenge. He has proven himself and his idea in Holland, and I am sure he can be very successful abroad as well."

Slot's impact on Van Nistelrooy appears to have been profound. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to suggest that Liverpool's manager may have improved the coaching abilities of United's current assistant.

Whether Van Nistelrooy is given the job at Old Trafford remains to be seen. But it seems likely that the former striker will be in charge at some point even if it's on an interim basis, with Slot helping United in a way they could never have imagined.