If Manchester United lose a fantastic FA Cup encounter against Wigan Athletic tonight, Mark Lawrenson feels they must sack Erik ten Hag and end their reputation as a laughing stock. United come to the DW Stadium wanting to get off to a good start in 2024 by reaching the fourth round.

The Red Devils would be fully aware that a devastating defeat against the League One strugglers would practically end their prospects of winning any silverware this season.

Ten Hag publicly disagrees, arguing that his squad is still in contention for the Premier League crown despite trailing leaders Liverpool by 14 points and losing nine of their 20 games.

However, a defeat against their north-west neighbours would reduce United’s campaign to a new low and, definitely, push the scrutiny on the Dutchman’s position to a breaking point.

He is thought to be conducting an interview for his own position as Sir Jim Ratcliffe waits for the Premier League to ratify his £1.3 billion deal for a 25% stake in the club.

The 71-year-old industrialist and INEOS have began work at Old Trafford and Carrington, but they cannot carry out plans until the minority ownership is authorized, which will transfer entire sporting authority.

Erik ten Hag is facing pressure at Manchester United. 

And Lawrenson believes Sir Jim will have to hasten his plans to appoint his own manager if United are eliminated from the FA Cup tonight.

“After Manchester United’s lacklustre performance against Nottingham Forest, if they lost to Wigan, Erik ten Hag would have to say, ‘thank you but no thank you’, because that’s the worst result possible for them, no disrespect to Wigan,” Lawrenson stated in an interview with Paddy Power.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe has gone through five managers at OGC Nice.” There are plenty other variables to consider with Manchester United.

Wigan will try to pull off an FA Cup upset.

“The roof needs to be repaired, they’ll be selling players in the January transfer window, and the club needs a complete overhaul, so what does he do?” If Ten Hag loses in Wigan, he should quit; it has become a laughing stock.”

Ten Hag is reportedly safe for the time being, with United’s new sporting leadership intending to focus other hires during the first few months of their project.

But the 53-year-old can’t take many more blows before the summer, when his fate will almost definitely be determined.

Nonetheless, United are the overwhelming favourites to win against Wigan and avoid becoming the only top-flight team to be eliminated in round three.