Manchester United confirm "thorough" manager search is underway

Manchester United's director of football John Murtough has confirmed that a "thorough" process is underway to appoint a new permanent manager.

The Red Devils handed the reins to Ralf Rangnick on a temporary basis following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the German is set to move into a two-year consultancy role at the end of the season.

There have been suggestions that Rangnick could be given the job on a permanent basis, but Man United are expected to bring a new face into the dugout amid links with Ajax's Erik ten Hag and Paris Saint-Germain's Mauricio Pochettino.

Murtough confirmed on Tuesday that the wheels are now in motion during a conference call with chief executive Richard Arnold, saying: "We know that consistency is key as we strive for a top-four finish this season.

"I want to reiterate however that this is not the ultimate objective for Manchester United, and everyone at the club is focused on challenging for the top trophies.

"We are now conducting a thorough process for the appointment of a new permanent manager who will take charge this summer, with the objective to get us back to challenging for those domestic and European titles."

Brendan Rodgers was also linked with the role, but Man United are believed to have ended their interest in the Leicester City boss amid the Foxes' poor Premier League form this season.