THERE was a point in time when Mauricio Pochettino appeared to be favourite for the Manchester United job over Erik ten Hag.
The United players themselves even thought the PSG boss was best placed to lead them forward, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as next permanent manager of Manchester United after impressing club bosses Credit: PA
Mauricio Pochettino was a candidate for the role, with some members of the squad believing the PSG gaffer was best placed to lead the club forward Credit: Reuters Today though Ten Hag, 52, has been confirmed as the next permanent Manchester United manager on a three-year deal.
Initially word came from the dressing room that former Tottenham chief Poch was top of the players’ shortlist, while interim boss Ralf Rangick was believed to favour Ten Hag.
The fact that Pochettino has worked in the Premier League before was seen as a major positive by the current squad.
But Ten Hag stunned United into giving him the role by wowing chiefs in a brutal assessment of the club during his interview process.
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Erik ten Hag ANNOUNCED as Man Utd manager, Dutchman signs three-year deal SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the straight-talking Dutchman gave United execs a no-holds-barred dressing down during talks.
One high-placed Old Trafford source said: “It was like United were being interviewed by Ten Hag rather than the other way round.”
And Ten Hag’s vision for the club to build a successful team that plays attractive and exciting football, while committing to the youth system, helped beat off competition for the job.
He is also a proven winner, having led Ajax to two Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups in his time at the club.
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Ten Hag has worked wonders in the Champions League too, reaching the semi-finals back in 2019 with an exciting young squad.
But even still there was said to be a “divide” among United players over whether they wanted Ten Hag to get the job earlier this month, with the dressing room split.
Some were keen for him to take over as they believe he is a top coach who would help improve them as individuals and a team.
Meanwhile others were claimed by the Manchester Evening News to be “underwhelmed” by the Dutchman.
Red Devils fans though rejoiced at the announcement, with Ten Hag handed the daunting task of turning the club back into title contenders.
His appointment comes just two days after the club were thrashed 4-0 by bitter rivals Liverpool.
An entire squad rebuild is expected, with Rangnick confirming that up to TEN new players could be signed this summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
