Manchester United could lose out on top managerial target despite deal being ‘done’

Manchester United’s plan to hire Erik Ten Hag as their new manager could be hijacked by German side RB Leipzig, according to reports. 

As reported by The Telegraph, the Bundesliga side are eyeing up a move for the Ajax boss, who was widely reported to have agreed a deal in principle to join the Red Devils next season.

The Dutchman reportedly presented his terms to United last week, having been told that he was the club’s preferred option, ahead of the likes of Mauricio Pochettino.

Talks are believed to be ‘advancing’, and while Leipzig have also displayed an interest, it is still said to be highly likely that the 52-year-old will opt to take charge at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag still looks likely to take over from Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season

His current employers, Eredivisie leaders Ajax, are reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated at the speculation surrounding Ten Hag, and they are worried that it could jeopardise their title challenge, seeing as they are just four points ahead of second-placed PSV Eindhoven.

The report also states that suggestions that Ten Hag is demanding full control over transfers at United are completely untrue.

The former FC Utrecht manager has worked with a sporting director throughout the entirety of his coaching career, and is therefore unlikely to have made such a demand to United.

Ten Hag remains the favourite to succeed current United boss Ralf Rangnick, who only took over in November, but will step back into a consultancy role in the summer.