Manchester United have kicked the process of deciding their new manager into a different gear by interviewing Erik ten Hag.
But when will the process be concluded?
Gary Neville expects it to be within a week or so, but the Telegraph report United just want their new boss in place by the end of the season.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano was asked the question on FIVE’s YouTube channel, when a Sky Sports claim that United wanted the process all done by the end of March was put to him.
“Maybe the end of the March could be too early – let’s see,” said Romano.
“They are still in the process. I am sure that in two or three weeks, they would like to complete the process.
“And then honestly, I don’t know if it will be public or not, there is no answer on the club side about this.
“Maybe with Pochettino, that would be more difficult but with ten Hag, it would be easier given his Ajax situation.
“Man United have a very good relationship with Ajax thanks to Edwin van der Sar. Let’s see how long it will take but it’s not going to be the end of May or anything like that!”
It would appear that United are planning to interview other candidates, although that might prove more problematic with Pochettino while he is at Paris Saint-Germain.
That smooth relationship with Ajax has seemingly made it easier for United to interview ten Hag while he is still in the job.
That said, United cannot just go for the easy option – or the cheap one. They need to undertake a thorough recruitment process, which Romano expects to be finished by the middle of April, from the sounds of it.
Ten Hag seems to be the popular choice, with Pochettino having experience of English football. It would be a surprise if the new manager was not one of those two, but this is a Manchester United managerial search, so nothing can be ruled out.
- Erik Ten Hag’s managerial record and style of play
- Erik Ten Hag’s five most expensive transfers
- Ajax’s last five managers before Ten Hag and where they are now
- Five Ajax players Ten Hag could sign for Manchester United
- Ten Hag’s comments when Van de Beek left Ajax for Old Trafford
- Six key issues for Manchester United’s next boss
- The three biggest wins of Ten Hag’s managerial career
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
