Manchester United are rumoured to have identified Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their ideal candidate for the vacant managerial role with concerns still lingering around three other names on the shortlist.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, Spain national team boss Luis Enrique and Sevilla chief Julen Lopetegui all also boast admirers with the United boardroom, but some are worried the aforementioned trio would rather plan their rebuild around transfers rather than a change in playing style. This is in stark contrast to Ten Hag, who is famed for his progressive style in Amsterdam.
The Dutchman was reportedly interviewed by United officials early last week and impressed with his plans for the club were he at the helm. Since his Ajax appointment, Ten Hag has won two Eredivisie titles alongside another two Dutch FA Cups.
According to the Times, United are clear in their stance that they want the next appointment to prioritise a change in playing style and it is for that reason Ten Hag is viewed fondly. With that being said, none of Pochettino, Enrique or Lopetegui are being ruled out as of yet.
Pochettino is likely to still have contact with those overseeing the appointment process at the club, but a recent slump in form for PSG has come at a damaging time for his chances. The French outfit were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid earlier this month.
Enrique's credentials speak for themselves, with the 51-year-old overseeing an incredibly successful period in FC Barcelona's recent history, including winning the Champions League in 2015. He has also taken charge of Real Betis and Roma.
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Lopetegui meanwhile, has not fared quite as well in recent years after he left his post as Spain boss two years in to manage Real Madrid. He was subsequently sacked by Los Blancos less than five months after his appointment at the Santiago Bernabeu.
There has been some speculation as to whether current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could make a surprise switch to Old Trafford in the wake of Roman Abramovich facing sanctions, but even the most optimistic of United officials are resigned to the fact any deal with the German is unlikely.
Rangnick's tenure as interim boss will finish at the end of the current campaign, before the German is expected to transition into a two-year consultancy role in the United boardroom. It is unclear as to whether he will have any say in who succeeds him in the Old Trafford hot-seat.
