Manchester United 'officially begin search for new manager'

Manchester United have officially started the process to appoint a new permanent manager, according to a report.

A 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Watford proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was temporarily replaced on a short-term basis by Michael Carrick.

Carrick posted a set of positive results during his time in the hotseat, but the Red Devils proceeded to hand Ralf Rangnick the reins for the remainder of the season before his switch to a consultancy role.

Man United are expected to have a new man in the hotseat for the 2022-23 season onwards, and The Athletic reports that the process to find Solskjaer's long-term successor is officially underway.

The report adds that Paris Saint-Germain's Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax's Erik ten Hag are two leading candidates, and the 20-time English champions plan to make preliminary contact with candidates soon.

However, with Pochettino and Ten Hag challenging for domestic and continental titles at their respective clubs, attempts to bring either man to the club in the near future will prove complicated.

Rangnick oversaw a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday - his eighth win from 15 games in interim charge of Man United across all competitions.