Erik ten Hag already knows his Manchester United transfer priority

Manchester United are set to step up their search for their next permanent manager over the upcoming international break, with Erik ten Hag currently leading the race to take up the role.

United intend to settle on their next manager before the end of the season in order to accelerate plans for the summer, with the 2022-23 season starting earlier than usual on August 6 because of the winter World Cup. Time is of the essence ahead of another crucial transfer window, and Ten Hag won't want to waste any time in identifying targets if he were to get the job offer before the end of the campaign.

United are impressed by how Ten Hag has assembled two successful teams either side of the sales of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong in 2019. There is also a belief that the 52-year-old could be a genuine long-term success at Old Trafford given the longevity he has enjoyed at Ajax since joining in December 2017.

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Another key component working in Ten Hag's favour is that he fits perfectly into the mould of the manager Ralf Rangnick would like to see at the club, with the Dutchman another coach who puts an emphasis on pressing, aggression while out of possession and a flexible style of play which can change in-game. Just like Rangnick, Ten Hag has also played down the over-analysis of formations, instead suggesting that the success of any team is all about how they react in a match to changing circumstances.

He's said previously, "It's not even about systems. It’s about what you do in possession, when you lose possession, and in those turn around moments. And you need to be able to change that up. The players’ qualities