Erik ten Hag is in pole position to become the Manchester United boss after a successful interview.
United have spoken to Mauricio Pochettino, Spain boss Luis Enrique and Ten Hag, but the latter has emerged as the standout candidate to land the job due to a release clause in his Ajax contract.
United initially believed they would have to pay Ajax just under £5m as compensation for the final 12 months of Ten Hag’s contract but Mirror Football's Simon Mullock revealed that the 52-year-old inserted a get-out clause in the deal he signed a year ago - and that it can be triggered for just €2m (£1.68m).
Mauricio Pochettino is also in the frame, but it will cost PSG around £17m to axe the former Tottenham boss and his staff - which put Ten Hag in pole position. Whether it's Pochettino or Ten Hag, the new boss will have a big challenge on their hands as wholesale changes are expected. Ralf Rangnick refused to give much away about United's transfer plans in the summer, however.
Asked about what United will do on the recruitment front, the interim boss said: "It’s always good if you have money available to sign players but the question is do you sign the right players?
"It’s not only a question of money but a question of what kind of idea do you have behind that? What kind of philosophy? And how do you want to play? It’s not only a question of money."
Ten Hag is already planning for life as United boss as he lines up his first two signings. Brazilian winger Antony has emerged as a potential target after scoring 12 goals, along with eight assists, during an outstanding campaign.
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Ten Hag also feels that centre-half Jurrien Timber will immediately address United’s defensive issues which have plagued them all season. The 20-year-old has already played for the Netherlands and will be part of Louis van Gaal’s squad for the World Cup.
Both players would be long-term prospects, but there is a chance they could go straight into Ten Hag's starting line-up as he's shown at Ajax that he's not scared to give youth a chance. Timber could replace Maguire who has come under immense scrutiny, while Antony could be favoured over Marcus Rashford who has also struggled for form this season and has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford as a result.
Potential Man Utd XI under Ten Hag: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Varane, Timber, McTominay, Fred, Fernandes, Antony, Sancho, Ronaldo.
