Manchester United held “positive” talks with Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag on Monday over taking charge at Old Trafford next season.
The club hierarchy thought to be impressed by his vision and philosophy during the interview, which was part of the ongoing process to appoint the next permanent first-team boss.
According to Sky sports, the talks have reached a more advanced stage but does not mean Ten Hag has emerged as the club’s first choice.
As part of the process, United also plan to speak to their other preferred candidates.
According to United sources, there is no early favourite yet and they are open-minded about the identity of their new manager.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that the other managers are Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique.
Ten Hag has a contract at Ajax that runs until the summer of 2023, but United’s good relationship with the Dutch club – former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is chief executive – allowed them to speak to him.
The club want to make a decision on their next permanent manager as soon as possible. However, they have not put a formal deadline on the process, which is being led by Darren Fletcher and John Murtough.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes the club can still attract the best managers in the world but admits whoever takes over will have a tough job.
Manchester United had previously distanced themselves from coverage suggesting they are circling around Thomas Tuchel amid Chelsea’s uncertain future with one source describing it as “media talk not reality”.
They maintained there is a four-man shortlist being considered to take charge of the club, which does not feature the reigning European Cup-winning manager.