Erik ten Hag reported to have won race against Mauricio Pochettino for Manchester United job and could be in charge for ‘at least the next five years’

Erik ten Hag is the reported favourite to become the next Manchester United boss, with the Dutchman understood to have beaten Mauricio Pochettino to the job.

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with current boss Ralf Rangnick taking the role on a temporary basis.

The Sun reports Ajax boss Ten Hag has come out on top following exhaustive background checks by Man United on their possible targets.

It adds Ten Hag and former Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino were neck-and-neck in the race but they’ve chosen the former, who they see as someone who could be in charge for ‘at least the next five years.’

Man United have experienced a decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and the club’s top brass will be hoping Ten Hag is the man who can take them back to the top.

It’s understood the club want to make an announcement before the end of the season to give the new boss a chance to hit the ground running ahead of a crucial summer of recruitment.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel emerged as a shock candidate for the position amid growing uncertainty at Stamford Bridge.

However, Tuchel made his stance clear when quizzed about the Man United reports as he distanced himself from the role.