In the end, United have two options: Pochettino or Eric Ten Haag? The famous former Premier League boss's take on the Dutchman who has changed Ajax over the past few years. After just one round of formal interviews, Tenhag became the leading candidate, impressing John Multur and Darren Fletcher with his plans to bring United back to the top of the table, while Pochettino, who had led the management selection process for some time, was pushed to second place.
Initially, four candidates were on the shortlist to replace interim manager Ralph Lonnick, with Sevilla coach Lopetegui and Spain national team coach Luis Enrique among them. Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and others have all been considered, but for various reasons they have never been seen as a real choice. By early April, however, four had become one and United executives had identified Tenhag, whose appointment was confirmed on Thursday. It is understood that when Multur and Fletcher flew to Amsterdam for formal talks, the 52-year-old manager was deeply impressed.
The two men leading the process were impressed by his enthusiasm, energy and enthusiasm for the enormous challenge that was bringing them together once again for the main honour. His attitude towards management is also clear as he clearly identifies the departments and other areas within the club that need to be improved. News confirmed this week that the two heads of United's scouting system, Marcel Boute and Jim Lawler, will leave the club at the end of the season, having played for Manchester United for 8 and 16 years respectively. While sources say the decisions weren't perfect, they were the first people Old Trafford made adjustments during this busy summer.
It's not just the club's staff that's at risk, the team also needs a cleanup. The players' first choice is Pochettino, and some veteran players believe they will thrive under the guidance of the former Spurs manager. However, the sources said Thatnghag was the "unanimous choice" of the board after the interview process, and although some players had other ideas, they believed he had the ability and vision needed to rebuild the next phase. The club's new chief executive, Richard Arnold, met with Tenhag after a formal interview and agreed. Although Ronnick insisted he was not involved in the decision-making process, the German was asked for his opinion at a recruitment conference he was involved in.
Club sources said Tenhag was the candidate "most aligned with the identity and strategy of the club" and his commitment to improving and developing young players was also seen as a major advantage. His offensive style of play is also attractive. The Dutchman has publicly expressed his admiration for Pep Guardiola, acknowledging that the Manchester City manager influenced his football philosophy. While sources have questioned claims that financial factors played a role in Tenhag's appointment, they have called on United to pay only £1.6 million in compensation to Ajax, while snatching Pochettino from Paris Saint-Germain would be much higher. Meanwhile, the timing of the appointment is key for those involved in the recruitment process, with sources revealing that United are determined to strike a deal with the new coach before the end of the season.
The European mainstream media understands that the club has been pushing ahead with their transfer plans and that there are finalists for each priority position. With a midfielder, striker and defender all on the buying list, Tenhag will be able to give his options while choosing his goals. However, this is a risky plan. Despite the hustle and bustle and excitement surrounding the upcoming Tenhag, he has never worked in the Premier League before, unlike Pochettino. However, club sources believe his other characteristics are enough to ensure his lack of experience in England does not become a problem.
Multur said: "In our conversation with Eric prior to his appointment, we were struck by our long-term vision of restoring Manchester United to the level we wanted, as well as his drive and determination to achieve this. "Only time will tell if he has the ability to get United out of his current predicament, but it is believed that there is no better candidate than him at this time.