Erik ten Hag holds ‘positive talks’ with Manchester United as Old Trafford legend Gary Neville reveals he expects appointment soon

Manchester United have held ‘positive talks’ with Erik ten Hag over the head coach role, according to reports.

The Ajax coach is one of the most in-demand coaches in European football and has emerged as a leading contender to take the managerial role at Old Trafford.

Along with Mauricio Pochettino, the Dutchman is regarded as one of the favourites to succeed interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who looks set to move upstairs into a consultancy position with the Red Devils.

Sky Sports News report Ten Hag has been interviewed for the job, and it’s claimed United chiefs were impressed by his vision and philosophy, with the process now said to be at ‘an advanced stage’.

That doesn’t mean that Ten Hag is viewed as the club’s first choice for the role, but does suggest that the process of appointing a permanent head coach this summer is swiftly moving on.

Other bosses in contention for the role include Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique.

Upon hearing of ten Hag’s interview, Old Trafford legend Gary Neville took to social media to reports.

And the former defender stated he would ‘expect a new manager announcement within a week or so’.

Darren Bent was also discussing Man United’s managerial search with Laura Woods on talkSPORT Breakfast and believes that they must move for Thomas Tuchel if there’s even the slightest chance of him leaving Chelsea.

Bent said: “Thomas Tuchel’s in a different bracket to Ten Hag and Pochettino.

“Pochettino has gone to PSG and failed, you have to say. They’re out of the Champions League, didn’t win the French league last season, lost the cup and doesn’t look like he can handle big egos at all.

“Thomas Tuchel is a top class manager. He seems like he’s quite loyal to Chelsea, but you never know what can happen when the takeover does happen.

“If there was an inkling that Manchester United could get Thomas Tuchel, I’d go all out to get him.”