Potential Manchester United Manager Learning English Ahead Of Talks With The Club

Manchester United's hunt for a new manager for next season is well underway, and one candidate has started taking English lessons ahead of any talks.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure in November was followed by a plugging of the gap by Ralf Rangnick, as United decided to give themselves time to make a new appointment.

It's the time they probably should have allowed themselves when Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in March 2019, instead of launching head first into an era of the Norwegian based on the back of the comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.

Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, and is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season, with even a Champions League win not guaranteeing his long term job security.

However the former Tottenham Hotspur boss isn't the only one in with a chance and, according to the Daily Mail, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is taking English lessons ahead of any talks with United, to make sure he is fluent in the language.

Ten Hag has been learning English ahead of a move to England. Image: PA Images

The reports claims that Ten Hag is already setting his sights on a move to the Premier League, having told the Eredivisie club that he's ready to leave.

United is his preferred destination and, even if he doesn't end up as the club's preferred candidate, it's almost certain that they will speak to him about the job.

Ten Hag was linked with the Tottenham Hotspur job last summer, as were many others, but the language barrier was one issue, though the 52-year-old did turn them down.

It has previously been suggested that the Dutchman does have some worries about the structure at United but Rangick's deal to stay on as a consultant may help alleviate those fears.

Pochettino remains the bookies favourite for the job. Image: PA Images

As well as Pochettino and Ten Hag, there are other names who could take one of the most difficult jobs in football right now, trying to unpick the mess at United to turn them into title winners again.

Carlo Ancelotti has even been suggested as a short term appointment, for a club who haven't been short of those recently, if they can't get their man.

Spain and Sevilla managers, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui, have also been linked with the role but Paul Merson thinks the club should look closer to home and appoint Brighton boss Graham Potter.

Whoever takes over, the next few weeks could decide if they're managing in the Champions League next season, as United face Manchester City and Spurs in the league and Atletico Madrid in Europe.