Man Utd whittle down manager shortlist from three to one as ‘favourite’ becomes clear
Manchester United have reportedly completed ‘dossiers’ on manager targets Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Erik ten Hag – leading them to find out who will be the best fit at Old Trafford.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick is in charge until the end of the season. The German will begin a two-year consultancy role once his time in the dugout comes to an end.
That gives United several months to find a replacement, although it will not be easy.
They have previously set their sights on Zinedine Zidane. But the serial winner is waiting for one of two jobs – Paris Saint-Germain or the French national team.
Zidane’s decision means Pochettino, Tuchel and ten Hag have become the main targets in recent times.
Tuchel only came onto United’s radar following sanctions aimed at Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. There are fears the Blues could lose their influential coach, allowing United to pounce.
Pochettino doesn’t seem settled in Paris and is also under immense pressure to succeed. He has endured a torrid few weeks, with PSG crashing out of the Champions League and then losing 3-0 to Monaco on Sunday.
ten Hag is also in the frame. The bulk of his experience has come in the Netherlands, although he has done a great job at Ajax. They have won two Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups under his guidance.
‘Background checks’ carried out on Erik ten Hag
According to The Sun, United have carried out ‘background checks’ on all three coaches. These ‘dossiers’ have put a favourite into sight – ten Hag.
United are hoping to announce the 52-year-old’s appointment before the end of the campaign. They believe he is best suited for a long-team project, which could see him pen a five-year contract with the club.
Erik ten Hag had been in a close fight with Pochettino for the job. But it now seems the Red Devils will target the Ajax man, rather than this PSG counterpart.
The report also provides an update on United’s interest in Tuchel. It claims they are being put off by the imminent takeover, which creates uncertainty around Tuchel’s availability.
United don’t want to wait until the takeover is completed, only to find out the former Dortmund boss is unavailable.
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Man Utd discover transfer fate
Meanwhile, United and Liverpool have discovered if they will be able to sign Ryan Gravenberch after the Ajax ace reportedly made a decision on his next club.
Gravenberch’s contract expires in June 2023 and he has no intention of renewing. Due to this, Ajax will have to sell in the summer transfer window to get a premium fee.
United are big admirers of the playmaker, who has previously drawn comparisons with a young Paul Pogba.
However, the two Premier League sides look set for disappointment. According to CaughtOffside, who cite reports in Spain, Gravenberch has chosen to join Bayern instead.
He sees the German titans as the best club to further his development and emerge into a world-class player. The Netherlands international has told agent Mino Raiola to secure a move to the Allianz Arena.
The report also reveals the potential fee which Bayern will pay Ajax for Gravenberch…
READ MORE: Man Utd, Liverpool learn transfer fate as Ajax starlet decides next club
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