It’s Happening – Erik ten Hag To Manchester United Appointment Set To Be Finalised

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag before the match.

REUTERS/Eva Plevier

Manchester United are closing in on appointing Erik Ten Hag as their new permanent manager.

The Red Devils have struck upon their new managerial figure after a lengthy process. Ten Hag had been on a four-man shortlist alongside Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, and Julen Lopetegui.

The Spanish duo were ruled out of the race in March after it became clear Enrique is out of reach due to his commitment with the Spain national team, while Lopetegui was interested in continuing his project in Sevilla.

According to ESPN, the race for the Old Trafford job came down to a ‘straight battle between’ Ten Hag and Pochettino.

However, the underwhelming Champions League journey and uncertain situation at Paris Saint-Germain meant the Argentine, who had initially been the club’s favoured candidate, was left behind Ten Hag for both football and financial reasons.

United, who interviewed the 52-year-old Dutchman last month, are now set to finalise his appointment as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor. A full agreement with Ajax is yet to be reached but Ten Hag is ready to leave the Eredivisie to move to the Premier League at the end of the season.

The process to find a new manager has been led by football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher.