Ajax boss Erik ten Hag reportedly told Manchester United that he needs five years to turn the club around during his recent interview over the managerial role at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has emerged as the favourite for the position in Manchester, with his work at Ajax impressing senior figures in the boardroom at the club.
The Dutchman was interviewed by the 20-time English champions over the international break, and it is understood that there is a £1.7m release clause in his contract in Amsterdam.
According to The Independent, the 52-year-old told Man United that he has a 'five-year project' to turn the club around following their struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.
The report also claims that Ten Hag insisted the players would need to improve their fitness levels to be able to compete with the best sides in the world once again.
The Dutchman, though, allegedly did not make a '100% cast-iron case' to be appointed the next head coach at Old Trafford and was not 'particularly charismatic' during the interview.
Man United are currently battling for a top-four spot in the Premier League and will be looking to return to winning ways when they head to struggling Everton on Saturday.
Matt Law
