Manchester United are having their worst season in 33 years and could be set to fall short of the top four in the Premier League at the end of the campaign.

Although publicly they have supported their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it would be no surprise if the United board decides to make a change before the season is out.

United were recently beaten by 2-0 by Burnley at Old Trafford in the Premier League, their first defeat to the Clarets since 1962. They also exited the Carabao Cup in the semi-final following a 3-2 loss over two legs against neighbours Manchester City.

Solskjaer took over the reins at United in December 2018. He was initially handed the role on an interim basis after Jose Mourinho was sacked from the job.

A string of positive results, including a victory over PSG in the Champions League, earned the Norwegian a three-year contract.

Solskjaer was backed in the summer transfer window before the campaign got underway. He brought in Harry Maguire from Leicester for £80 million, while the club spent £45 million on Aaron Win-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.

Given that his players are falling way below expectations, many United fans are now calling for a change in manager. They are 6/1 in the football betting to finish in the top four this season, something that would have been a minimum requirement before a ball was kicked in the campaign.

Who could take over?

Ever since he was sacked by Tottenham earlier this season, Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with Manchester United, amongst many other major European clubs.

Pochettino spent five years with Spurs and was praised for the way he transformed the club under a limited budget into title contenders. He reached the Champions League final in the 2018/19 campaign, losing 2-0 to Liverpool in the final.

It has been reported that United, or any other club, would have to pay Tottenham £10 million in compensation if they hire Pochettino before the end of the season. This may just make them think twice about going out to get the Argentine manager before the summer.

Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is also a high-profile manager who is out of work since leaving the Italian champions at the end of last season.

Allegri won the Serie A title in each of the five years he was with the Turin-based club. He also took his side to the Champions League final on two occasions but was beaten in the final each time.

It is thought that the Italian has been learning English since he left Juventus as he has the desire to manage in the Premier League. Allegri’s teams are always extremely organised and disciplined, so United may see the experienced coach as the perfect replacement if they did decide to let go of Solskjaer.

As long as Allegri and Pochettino are out of work, the United board are sure to be tempted to make a move for either of their services.