Erik ten Hag 'is Manchester United's first-choice managerial candidate'

Manchester United have reportedly identified Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their number one choice to become the club's next permanent manager at the end of the season.

Interim head coach Ralf Rangnick will step aside from the role this summer, and the Red Devils are said to be closely monitoring Thomas Tuchel's situation at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain's Mauricio Pochettino, Spain's Luis Enrique and Sevilla's Julen Lopetegui are all allegedly being considered for the position at Old Trafford.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has now emerged as the favourite for the position despite the fact that a final decision has not been made.

The report claims that the Dutchman's 'potential for longevity' has placed him in a strong position to become Man United's permanent replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ten Hag has a contract with his current club until June 2023 but is believed to be keen to discuss a move to the Red Devils in the coming months.

The 52-year-old has won two league titles and two KNVB Cups since arriving at Ajax in 2017, while his side are currently two points clear of second-placed PSV Eindhoven at the top of the Eredivisie table.