Erik ten Hag is ‘flattered’ by interest from Manchester United but suggestions that he is the favourite to become the clubs next manager have been described as ‘too premature’.
United are understood to have held talks with Ten Hag about becoming the club’s next permanent manager earlier this week, though the Red Devils hierarchy are planning to interview other candidates before a decision is made.
Most reports in England have suggested that Ten Hag is the favourite to land the Manchester United job, though reports in the Netherlands have so far been quiet on this situation.
However, Dutch outlet AD [via Sport Witness] are now reporting that such suggestions are ‘premature’, with Ten Hag needing to be convinced about moving to the Premier League side.
Ten Hag – who is described as ‘picky’ when it comes to his next career move – is believed to have been approached by several sides, though United are described as ‘potentially the largest’. The 55-year-old has also not ruled out remaining at Ajax, where he is contracted until 2023.
The Dutchman is keen to have assurances over the working conditions at Old Trafford before committing to a move to the Premier League, amid reservations over the hierarchy in Manchester.
The report says that it is ‘not just about the potential of the player group’ at United, with Ten Hag’s success having come from ‘the close connections with the leadership and control in the purchase policy’ – something that has been ‘lost for years’ at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has emerged as a frontrunner to become Manchester United’s next manager after impressing during five seasons at Ajax, but the Red Devils are also interested in holding discussions with Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui over the role.
