Erik ten Hag outlines deal-breaking condition as he leads Man Utd race with Pochettino and mystery man

Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Manchester United that he wants to be involved in the club’s future transfers should he be successful in landing the manager’s job.

The Ajax boss is regarded at the “clear favourite” to succeed Ralf Rangnick, according to the Daily Telegraph. But United are yet to make a decision on the appointment with a second round of interviews scheduled.

Ten Hag and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino have been interviewed for the role. But one other contender has also been spoken to about the top job, as per The Telegraph. And that is not thought to be Spain boss Luis Enrique, who is unwilling to break his contract with the national team.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is of interest to the United hierarchy. But the paper stops short of suggesting Tuchel is the mystery man.

What is clear is that Ten Hag is in pole position and another impressive showing at the interview stage could see him take the job.

But the 52-yeat-old does have conditions of his own. He will not take the job is certain conditions are not met and the main one revolves around recruitment.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag has been clear that he wants involvement in the club’s transfers.

Romano told FIVE, as cited by the Daily Express: “Ten Hag is a manager that from what I’m told during the interview with Man United, he wanted to make sure that they want to back him.

Luis Enrique named as the final Manchester United manager target

Ex Barcelona manager Luis Enrique could be on his way to Manchester United as he is named as the final manager target

“At Manchester United, he wants to be the man that decides together with the board and together with Rangnick – but with his own ideas – the signings that they will do.

Ten Hag compensation no issue

“It’s not about signing Donny van de Beek and never playing him for two years, for example.

“At the moment that is something that is missing but to Ten Hag it’s more than important.”

For United’s part they are prepared to fork out the £4m in compensation to free him from his contract. The Eredivisie club were happy to grant Ten Hag permission to speak with John Murtough and Darren Fletcher. And the compensation payment is not thought to pose a proble.

But United are slightly concerned over Ten Hag’s lack of experience at a big club. As per the Telegraph, United officials are well aware that Ten Hag has only managed in Holland – at Go Ahead Eagles and Utrecht.

They are thought to have slight reservations over Ten Hag coming into a club of the stature of United. Still, he has achieved great success at Ajax, winning two Dutch titles and two KNVB Cups since December 2017.

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes sends strong message to Man Utd fans after signing new multi-year contract