Manchester United are getting closer to appointing Erik ten Hag as their new manager.
Old Trafford authorities continue to emphasize that the process of choosing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent successor is ongoing and that it is premature to declare a deal done.
However, it is known that Erik Ten Hag has emerged as the preferred candidate among senior United officials.
Ten Hag or Mauricio Pochettino was clearly the preferred candidate.
Ten Hag, though, is seen to be a better fit for United’s current structure, which includes John Murtough as football director, Darren Fletcher as technical director, and interim leader Ralf Rangnick as an advisor.
There is no indication that an official announcement is close, and with Ajax still fighting for the Dutch title with PSV Eindhoven, it is possible that United would delay it even longer out of respect for the Eredivisie giants, who are led by former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
If the hiring is confirmed, Ten Hag is likely to hire a former United coach or player to his backroom staff, considering the club’s remaining link to the Solskjaer era, Mike Phelan, is unlikely to continue.
The pinnacle of Ten Hag’s tenure at Ajax was bringing the team to within a minute of the 2019 Champions League final, only to be thwarted by a Pochettino-led Tottenham side.
Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea and Luis Enrique of Spain were both considered for the post, but it was determined that neither would leave their current positions to join United at the start of next season.
It is reported that the post was also discussed with Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui.
Rooney backs Pochettino to succeed Erik Ten Hag as Manchester United manager
Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United should choose Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager this summer, rather than Erik ten Hag.
Pochettino and Ten Hag are the frontrunners to succeed interim manager Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United at the end of the season.
The pair have guided Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax to the top of their respective leagues in France and the Netherlands, respectively, but Rooney has explained why he would choose the Argentinian.
Rooney stated during Monday Night Football on Sky Sports: “I believe Pochettino has accomplished this in the Premier League; he is familiar with the Premier League.
“At Tottenham, he developed a large number of young players; at Southampton, he developed a large number of young players as well.
“If forced to choose between the two, I’d go with Pochettino and give him time. Managers now require time to come in and implement their vision for the club and team. If you give him time, I believe he will succeed. He is, in my opinion, an excellent manager.”
Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer and current Derby County manager has underlined his intention to take over at Old Trafford one day but is keen to continue learning elsewhere before making the move.
He continued: “Everton and Manchester United are the two clubs. I support Everton and spent 13 years at Manchester United. I believe that if I continue doing what I’m doing, learning, and growing, those two clubs will one day be mine to manage.”
United were handed a slight lifeline in their fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League Friday night after Arsenal were soundly defeated 3-0 by Crystal Palace.
Rangnick’s team are three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and fifth-placed Arsenal, although the north London club has a game in hand.
United’s next match is against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
