Ten Hag sounds out two ex-Man Utd squad members for backroom staff

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Erik ten Hag has earmarked two ex-Manchester United stars to join his backroom team as he closes in the top job at Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Dutchman has been one of the frontrunners for the managerial role at United ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was axed back in November. Ralf Rangnick was handed the reins on an interim basis but is due to step upstairs into a consultancy role at the end of the season

PSG chief Mauricio Pochettino was also in the running for the job, but United have now reportedly decided that Ten Hag is their man after winning five trophies in four years with Ajax.

And according to Sky Sports, Ten Hag is wasting no time in preparing for life in the Premier League. Dutch journalist, Marcel van der Kraan, has revealed that the 52-year-old has already 'sounded out' two former United players who are currently working in Dutch football in a bid to persuade them into joining him at Old Trafford.

While it remains unclear who the Ajax chief has approached with a view to joining his backroom team, Ten Hag himself is expected to be confirmed by United imminently. The ex-Utrecht coach has reportedly agreed to take over at the Premier League giants in June after impressing the club hierarchy with his vision during an extensive interview process.

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Ten Hag and Pochettino had persistently been linked with the job, but there were other names in the frame to succeed Rangnick at the end of the season. Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique were also on a four-man shortlist, while Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann were ruled out due to commitments with their current clubs.

During his time in Holland, Ten Hag has guided Ajax to the domestic double twice and is on course to make that a hat-trick this term. He also guided the Dutch giants to within minutes of the Champions League final back in 2018 before they were stunned by a late, late show from Tottenham – who were then managed by Pochettino.

But Ten Hag has come out on top against the Argentine this time around by pipping him to the top job at one of the biggest clubs in world football. Ten Hag will be tasked with restoring United's fortunes – but has already warned the Old Trafford hierarchy that it could take as long as five years to get the club challenging for major honours again.

• Manchester United FC
• Premier League
• Ajax FC

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