Erik ten Hag could become Manchester United’s next permanent manager after being interviewed for the vacancy, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as United boss in November after a poor run of form and was replaced by Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis until the end of the season.
The latter is set to take up a consultancy role with the Red Devils at the end of the campaign and will work with the club’s next manager.
According to the Daily Mail, Ten Hag was interviewed for the vacancy on Monday and is amongst a ‘number of candidates’ speaking with United about the role at Old Trafford, with Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique also on their shortlist.
Ten Hag is now the bookies’ favourite for the job, with the 52-year-old’s contract expiring at Ajax in 2023.
United will end the season without a piece of silverware for the fifth consecutive year and fans will be hoping if appointed as manager, ten Hag will be able to turn their fortunes around.
One way the Dutchman can do that is by rebuilding the Red Devils squad, especially with several members of the first team out of contract this summer.
With that being said, let’s take a look at seven Ajax players the 52-year-old could look to sign if given the United job.
1. Ryan Gravenberch
The 20-year-old has been a key member of ten Hag’s squad, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting his teammates on six occasions. His trust in youthful players is exactly what the Red Devils have done for many years. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
2. Jurrien Timber
A centre-back, the position that a lot of fans and pundits think the club need to strengthen in, Jurrien Timber has been Ajax’s first-choice in that position this campaign and is just 20.
3. Lisandro Martinez
Another of ten Hag’s go to centre-backs, Lisandro Martinez has made 36 appearances in all competitions under the Dutchman this season, scoring once and assisting his teammates four times.
4. Antony
The winger is Ajax’s third-highest scorer this campaign with 12 goals and has attracted interest from other European clubs.