Premier League English

Mauricio Pochettino being edged out by Erik Ten Hag as United’s chosen one

Manchester United are apparently closing in on the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their next manager with the Ajax gaffer said to be discussing contract details having edged out Mauricio Pochettino in the race for the Old Trafford job.

With negotiations reportedly picking up pace rapidly, the optimism is that a deal will be concluded in the next few days as an announcement is hoped to be made towards the end of next week with Ten Hag having now purportedly going over the fine print in his contract at United.

Ten Hag had emerged the previous week as the clear favorite ahead of Mauricio Pochettino despite there being one final round of talks yet to be held involving new chief executive Richard Arnold and joint-chairman Joel Glazer, after United appear to have decided that Ten Hag is their chosen one.

Although a deal has yet to be agreed and the situation could change at any time, sources close to the negotiations are confident no problems will be expected in hiring the 52-year-old Dutchman who also does not anticipate any problems to leave Ajax although there is still a year remaining on his contract with the club.

United’s shortlist of candidates was reduced to two after the third candidate Julen Lopetegui pulled out of the race after being interviewed, informing United that he will instead remain at Sevilla, leaving the tussle a straight fight between Ten Hag and Pochettino.

United are still expected to speak to Pochettino but with the way things are seemingly going, it is most likely to inform him that somebody else has gotten the job.