Mauricio Pochettino Was 'Shocked' To Learn Of Erik Ten Hag's Appointment As Manchester United Manager

Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly shocked to learn of Erik ten Hag's appointment as Manchester United manager.

Ten Hag was confirmed as United's next permanent manager on Thursday morning after agreeing to a three-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further year, with the Dutchman set to move into his new position at the end of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Pochettino had been strongly considered for the role before United eventually opted to appoint Ajax boss Ten Hag.

The Athletic claim Pochettino was not informed by United that he'd missed out on the job before the club announced the appointment.

According to the report, Pochettino's representatives had held talks with United over potential contract details as recently as this month.

And two months before Ten Hag's appointment, Pochettino is said to have gathered information about Manchester as a city, the structure of United and details about the club's players ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.

The timing of the announcement is said to have been "awkward" as Pochettino had felt "confident" of his chances of being offered the opportunity to become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent replacement at United.

According to The Daily Mail, the majority of United's squad would have preferred former Tottenham manager Pochettino to get the job ahead of Ten Hag.

But United's recruitment team did not consult the squad before deciding to appoint Ten Hag.

In a statement released after his appointment was confirmed on Thursday, Ten Hag said: "It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead.

"I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.

"It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United."