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.

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

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.

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."