Erik ten Hag rumoured to be Manchester United's new manager

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Erik ten Hag could be confirmed as Manchester United's next manager after reaching an agreement in principle with the club, according to reports.

The 52-year-old has been in charge of Dutch giants Ajax since December 2017, but has been repeatedly linked with the United hot seat this summer, as Ralf Rangnick prepares to move into a consultancy role.

But, any announcement on the appointment is not expected to come before Sunday, 17 April, when ten Hag's side play in the Dutch Cup final against PSV Eindhoven.

Manchester United speak to Ajax boss as they search for new manager

Paris St Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino was also on United’s wishlist, but The Athletic has reported Ten Hag has verbally agreed to take over from interim boss Rangnick at the end of the season.

However, while United’s search for a new manager is at an advanced stage, no agreement has been reached with any candidate and the process remains ongoing.

Rangnick agreed to take interim charge of United last November following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after nearly three years at the helm.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 'It's time for me to step aside'

The club face missing out on the Champions League next season as they sit three spots and six points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League with seven games of the campaign remaining.

But that seems to have been no obstacle in attracting another standout European coach, with Ten Hag winning the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup twice while he led Ajax to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals.

Ajax are on course for another domestic double - they are four points clear of second - placed PSV Eindhoven and will take on their rivals in the final of the Dutch Cup this weekend.