Erik ten Hag quizzed on Man Utd role as manager ‘targets £85m midfielder’ & allows Cristiano Ronaldo to leave

Erik ten Hag is widely believed to be entering the final few weeks of his time as Ajax manager, with the 52-year-old expected to take over at Manchester United next season.

There are even reports that the Red Devils could make the announcement as early as next week, with the club hoping Ten Hag can be the man to help United finally compete for regular silverware once again.

But it will take much more than a new coach for the 20-time English champions to rival Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, and it could require a complete restructuring of the club at boardroom level.

At least, that’s what Ten Hag reportedly told United in his interview, while the Ajax boss was also asked about his potential new job in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Elsewhere, there are claims in the national press that the Dutchman has already started considering his squad for next season and where he particularly feels United need to strengthen.

Here’s the latest round-up of Ten Hag stories…

Ten Hag’s unfiltered interview

United were left ‘stunned’ by Ten Hag’s interview for the manager’s position, according to a report in The Sun.

The paper claim that United’s expected new boss gave a ‘no-holds-barred dressing down’ of the issues that face the club, when interviewed by John Murtough and Darren Fletcher.

They added Ten Hag ‘ripped the United set-up apart’ and was critical of their scouting and recruitment policies.

However, the club were hugely impressed by the interview and it only reinforced the belief that Ten Hag is the number one choice for the role.

No denying United rumours

Ten Hag was asked in his Friday press conference why he is ‘keeping quiet’ about the United job, and the Ajax boss seemed to imply he’s waiting to end the 2021/22 campaign before focusing on the Red Devils.

“Because I serve Ajax. We need to win the two remaining trophies,” Ten Hag replied.

Ajax face PSV Eindhoven in Sunday’s KNVB Cup final, and the side from Amsterdam are still on to win the league and cup double this season.

Midfield target acquired

Ten Hag is reportedly already making plans on how to restructure the United midfield, and has targeted Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni as an ideal summer recruit.

According to ESPN, the 22-year-old would cost the Red Devils around €60-€70m (£73-£85m), while Chelsea have also reached out to the player’s agents.

ESPN claim Tchouameni is seen as a natural replacement for Paul Pogba, who is expected to leave for free this summer when his contract expires.

Ronaldo to depart?

It’s not just incomings that Ten Hag is believed to be planning, with reports he will allow Cristiano Ronaldo to leave in the summer.

According to The Daily Star, the Portuguese forward has been ‘given the green light’ to depart and ‘will not be part of his long-term plans’.

Despite scoring 18 goals this term, the 37-year-old has hugely impacted United’s playing style and largely hindered their progress on the pitch.