Manchester United could encounter a hitch in their pursuit of Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have officially got their search for their next manager underway with Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino the leading contender to become their new boss.
Ajax's Ten Hag is not far behind the Argentine, however, after an impressive five-year spell with the Dutch giants.
United's hierarchy realise negotiations will be tricky with both managers currently in work, but another problem could surface in regards to Ten Hag.
Ralf Rangnick could be involved in the process of appointing their manager as he's set to take up a two-year consultancy role in the summer following his interim period as boss, which means there is no room for Ten Hag's right-hand man and former United keeper, Edwin van der Sar.
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There is no doubt that Ten Hag has been instrumental in Ajax's rise to prominence since he arrived at the club, but van der Sar's influence at boardroom level should not be underestimated.
Van der Saar was promoted to the role of Ajax's CEO in 2016 and has been quietly pulling the strings behind the scenes.
He formed that infamous 2018/19 Ajax side that made the Champions League last four with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek, David Neres, and Hakim Ziyech.
Ajax would cash in on their prized assets, but what's more impressive is how he's managed to rebuild the club with the majority of that team gone.
Van der Sar trusted in his youth as Jurrien Timber and Ryan Gravenberch were promoted from the reserves, while they have managed to revive West Ham United ‘flop’ Sebastien Haller's career.
Ajax made another smart move for Steven Berghuis from fierce rivals Feyenoord this summer, while Lisandro Martinez was drafted into defence.
Ajax have made wholesale changes, but they're still performing at a high level domestically and in Europe.
Ten Hag will receive the plaudits as manager but Van der Sar has majorly contributed to his success.
The worry for United is that Ten Hag won't have Van der Saar to lean on at Old Trafford which is exactly why someone like Pochettino, who has previous experience of the Premier League, is above him in the pecking order.
Wes Brown reckons both managers would be a good appointment and would jump at the chance to join United.
He told888sport: "We know his style of play and I think he would love to be the Manchester United manager.
"He’d be very enthusiastic and he would have the money to build his squad.
"Ten Hag would also love the job, to come to the best league in the world and show what he can do. It’s a tough one between the two.
"Pochettino though has been here before and done it and in general he understands the league, the players and what he needs.
"Whichever one it is will be a really good fit. United have struggled in recent years getting the manager right and it’s a very important decision."
