Manchester United’s efforts to hire Erik ten Hag have taken a step forward with The Athletic reporting the club have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ for the Dutchman to become the club’s next manager.
United and Ajax still need to agree paperwork and the final details, and this is not anticipated to happen until after April 17, when Ajax play the KNVB Cup final against PSV Eindhoven.
Ten Hag will continue the season at Ajax and conclude their league campaign, where they are five points clear.
United could then, announce the move for Ten Hag as soon as early next week.
One man race
United have now settled on Ten Hag as manager, and it is only a matter of time before it is all formally confirmed.
Ten Hag will become the fifth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. United have failed to win the title since.
The team’s form this season shows a long turnaround will be required, and The Athletic reports Ten Hag will be givne a four-year contract, which, if anything, seems on the low side.
Ten Hag is viewed as United’s answer to Pep Guardiola, and he worked under the Spanish boss at Bayern Munich.
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A large scale overhaul is required at Old Trafford this summer, with incomings and outgoings, and Ten Hag will want the final say on transfers.
His coaching staff will also be confirmed in due course, but having some clarity helps both United and Ajax.
It becomes easier for United to move ahead with transfer deals too, with it important to get players in before the team head on pre-season to Thailand and Australia in July.
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