Erik Ten Hag has ‘heart set on job’ as Man Utd get double lift in pursuit of new manager

Manchester United are inching closer to the appointment of Erik Ten Hag as their new manager amid claims he wants to make the move at the end of the season.

United are preparing themselves for what will surely be one of the most significant summers in their history. Interim manager Ralf Rangick has steadied the ship since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and will move into an advisory role. With regards their players, the club are also preparing for up to 11 exits, with a host of big names due to depart.

However, it will be the appointment of their next manager that will generate the most column inches.

The Red Devils are going through another period of transition, their fifth since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. Indeed, Rangnick is the latest coach after the likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal to try to return United to the top of English football.

Rangnick has improved the results following Solskjaer’s sacking in November. Still, his tenure has been marred by reports of dressing room discontent and divide.

Therefore, getting the next man right is of paramount importance to United.

The two leading contenders appear to be Mauricio Pochettino and Ten Hag.

The Red Devils tried and failed with an enquiry for Pochettino before turning to Rangnick.

Since asking PSG in November, United – whose incoming chief executive Richard Arnold will lead the search for a new manager – and Pochettino have reportedly been in regular contact.

However, it now seems it is Ten Hag who is in the driving seat.

And as per the Daily Mail, the Dutchman ‘has his heart set’ on a summer switch to Old Trafford.

Citing the fact he is now having regular English lessons, the paper claims Ten Hag is gearing up for the appointment.

Ajax on the lookout for successor

Furthermore, they state Ajax are well aware of his intentions to quit and are looking around for his successor.

Ten Hag has earned a solid reputation during his five seasons in charge at Ajax. He has led them to domestic success in two of the last three seasons.

Manchester United dealt blow in pursuit of Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag

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He also steered them into the semi-finals of the Champions League. They also look well placed to achieve similar this season.

And in doing so, Ten Hag has regularly given youth its chance. Indeed, the likes of Mathijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Donny van de Beek are just three names who have flourished under his coaching.

That’s a characteristic that appeals to United, who themselves like to bed in their own young stars.

Now the Mail suggest there is a growing optimism from all parties that the deal will happen.

In addition, they claim Ten Hag will bring with him coach Mitchel van der Gaag should the move materialise.

Ten Hag opens up on Ajax future

Ten Hag has been, understandably, fairly reserved when discussing his future at Ajax.

He is known to want to stay loyal until the end of the current season.

However, he did open up on his future there recently following the recent departure of director of football Marc Overmars.

“Marc Overmars and me were definitely a strong duo. But to think about this now… it’s not about me now,” ten Hag said to ESPN, via the Mirror.

“We need to process what happened. I will start looking at the consequences. I won’t think about my future now.

“I’m fine, but I know what you mean. We’ve had incredibly bad days, of course. I was totally stunned when I heard it.

“This is disastrous. Especially for the victims; the women. I have a hard time with the suffering that has been caused to them.

“Everyone processes this in their own way. I then withdraw a bit and am a bit quieter than usual. As a coach you naturally have to radiate energy, but that was difficult the last few days.”

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