Manchester United 's announcement regarding Erik ten Hag as their next manager comes less than 48 hours after Gary Neville accused them of seeking to deploy a "political tactic".
The Red Devils have been seeking a new permanent manager since they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this season. Ralf Rangnick has been in interim charge but the focus has been on finding a man for next season and beyond, with Ten Hag regularly linked with the role.
He emerged as the frontrunner ahead of Mauricio Pochettino and United have been discussing his exit with Ajax, whom they have settled on a compensation package with. They have now announced his imminent arrival just days after they were hammered 4-0 by Liverpool.
United put on a drab display at Anfield as they were regularly cut apart with Neville claiming after the game that the club is "broken" and insisted they were desperate to announce their new manager so that they could use it as a diversion tactic, taking the focus away from matters on the pitch.
He said on Sky Sports: "The fans are protesting, the fans are up in arms about the performances - they can't believe what's going on. They're out of every single competition so that desperation to get the manager out there is two-fold. One because I think they need to put a manager in place.
"But secondly, they can't wait to do it - just so they can throw the focus towards next season. It's the old political tactic." United still have slim hopes of finishing in the top four despite their inconsistent showings this term whilst the Glazers continue to come under fire for their financial dealings at Old Trafford.
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Ten Hag is expected to lead a major squad overhaul whilst there have also been calls for him to reset the culture of the club. The Dutchman has performed impressively in Amsterdam and has spoken about his excitement at the challenge that lies ahead of him.
He said upon his announcement: "It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.
“It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United."
