Manchester United’s players are believed to ‘want’ Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s next manager, though interim boss Ralf Rangnick is a ‘big admirer’ of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
United are assessing candidates to become the club’s next permanent manager, having named Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the current campaign.
The Telegraph are reporting that Pochettino is garnering increasing support among the first-team squad, with the Argentine understood to be open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain and returning to the Premier League.
The 49-year-old has been a long-term target for the Red Devils and reports in France are suggesting Pochettino could even part ways with PSG should the club lose their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid.
Pochettino has failed to settle since his appointment at the Parc des Princes in January 2021, with the former Tottenham coach having previously been considered for the role at Old Trafford following the departures of Jose Mourinho in 2018 and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Pochettino’s past record in the Premier League, in terms of player development and footballing philosophy, are believed to align with the Red Devils’ demands for a new head coach.
However, Rangnick – who will move into a consultatory role when he steps down as manager – is said to be a ‘big admirer’ of Ten Hag.
Ten Hag has impressed since taking charge of Ajax four years ago, winning two Eredivisie titles and turning the Dutch side into a competitive force in the Champions League, including winning all six group games this season.
