Manchester United’s search for a new permanent manager continues, with Ralf Rangnick’s interim run expected to come to an end with the end of this season. The Red Devils have been linked several names but one who appears to be quickly emerging as the favourite for the Old Trafford job is current Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag is one of the most highly-rated managers in Europe right now, having done a wonderful job at Ajax. Under his management, the club have established themselves as the dominant team in the Netherlands while also enjoying some splendid European campaigns, one of which saw them reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Thus, it is not hard to see why Manchester United might be interested in bringing in Ten Hag, with a long-term project in mind.
But Louis van Gaal, who managed Manchester United for a couple of seasons and was shown the exit door despite winning the FA Cup, does not seem to be convinced that that would be the right fit for Ten Hag. As reported by The Guardian, the Netherlands national team manager said:
"“Erik ten Hag is a great coach and that is always good for Manchester United.“But Manchester United are a commercial club, so it’s a difficult choice for a coach. He would be better going to a football club. I’m not going to advise him, he’ll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club.”"
Van Gaal sends Manchester United warning to Ten Hag
It will be very interesting to see where Ten Hag ultimately ends up. He is a very highly-rated manager and if he was to leave Ajax, there would not be any lack of interest in his signature.
At the moment, Manchester United seems like his most likely destination with rumours suggesting that there has already been an interview between the club and the manager.
But, things can change very quickly in football and the Red Devils must be ready for every possibility. Other than Ten Hag, they have been linked with managers like Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and a few more.