EDITOR’S PICK
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Manchester United have agreed on a deal in principle with Erik ten Hag who is now primed to become the club’s new permanent manager.
The Premier League club identified the 52-year-old as their No.1 target to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick after interviewing the Ajax boss last month.
Ten Hag, however, was said to hold reservations about taking over at Old Trafford and wanted several assurances before committing to the rebuilding project that he will now oversee.
According to The Athletic, Ten Hag has now verbally agreed on a four-year deal, but no official announcement will be made before the Dutch Cup final on April 17, when Ajax are scheduled to face PSV Eindhoven.
Reports earlier this week claimed Ten Hag was considering several rival offers, including one form RB Leipzig, but the lure of United and the chance to restore them to their former glories have been too enticing a prospect.
Ten Hag is also said to have requested that he gets a full say over the composition of his backroom staff and the members of his support team will be finalised imminently.
Former United striker, Robin van Persie, has turned down the opportunity to rejoin his former club and is settled at Feyenoord, where he is earning his coaching badges.
The likes of Rene Meulensteen and Steve McClaren, who both served under Sir Alex Ferguson, have been linked with possible returns, as well as treble-winning defender Jaap Stam.
Ten Hag meanwhile has already identified the conditioning of Manchester United’s players as an area of concern and wants to bring Ajax’s fitness coach, Mitchell van der Gaag, with him.
United had considered the option of appointing Marucio Pochettino having twice come close to recruiting the former Tottenham manager in the past.
The Argentine’s stock has fallen, however, as a consequence of his struggles, particularly in the Champions League, with Paris Saint-Germain, while United were unwilling to get embroiled in protracted negotiations over a compensation fee.
FURTHER READING
Negotiating a deal with Ajax, by contrast, was comparatively straightforward but United are unwilling to destabilise cordial relations with the Dutch club by rushing through an official announcement.
Click to watch our video of the week:
In honor of Nigeria's former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who recently celebrated…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made a significant breakthrough with the arrest…
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed Dogara…