Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Manchester United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Manchester United are reportedly yet to finalise any future role for Ralf Rangnick, and have Erik ten Hag or Mauricio Pochettino on a four-man shortlist to be their next permanent manager.
Ralf Rangnick has been doing the job on an interim basis since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November.
Sky Sports reports that “no meetings have taken place” with Rangnick to outline his next role at Old Trafford following the end of his interim spell as manager, with details where the German would operate from have yet to be clarified, but new chief executive Richard Arnold keen to have Rangnick kept on in some higher-ups capacity until 2024.
Manchester United are now already in the market looking for the favourites to succeed Manchester United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick as the club want to conclude the process as soon as possible.
Under consideration are Pochettino, Ten Hag, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique.
Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag among the four-man shortlist along with Pochettino, Lopetegui and Enrique. (image: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are level-pegging in the eyes of the decision-makers at United, with Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique the others being considered.
Pochettino, whose future is uncertain after his team’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid and Erik Ten Hag, whose current contract expires at the end of next season but keen to leave at the end of season season after Marc Overmars’ departure from Ajax are both the leading candidates for the Manchester United’s job.
Luis Enrique has a World Cup to prepare for with Spain, which would make it harder to prise him away from his current job, while Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui imploded at Real Madrid.
But with the news flowing out of the capital this morning, Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Manchester United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick, although nothing concluded yet, after being interviewed on Monday.
Manchester United interview Ajax boss Erik ten Hag
Manchester United have interviewed Erik ten Hag, confirmed as per @ChrisWheelerDM @SamiMokbel81_DM. Meeting took place this week. 🔴 #MUFC
Man Utd are happy with his English level – but final decision will involve many factors.
The board will interview other candidates too.
— FABRIZIO ROMANO (@FABRIZIOROMANO) MARCH 23, 2022.
Erik ten Hag has been formally interviewed by Manchester United as part of the process to find the club’s next permanent manager.
During the meeting, Erik ten Hag wanted to hear about Manchester United budget and plans for the future. His English level has now improved – ten Hag feels ready to try Premier League experience soon. 🔴 #MUFC
Man United will also meet other managers. Process still ongoing.
Ten Hag who has emerged as the bookmakers’ new favourite to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in recent weeks has led Ajax to two Eredivisie titles since being appointed head coach in 2017, as well as guiding them on a memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals three years ago that earned him a reputation as one of European football’s leading coaches.
Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League, four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and having played a game more.
Their next fixture is at home against Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday, April 2.