Erik ten Hag faces four big problems if he is appointed Manchester United manager

Manchester United's next permanent manager faces a huge challenge.

After signing the likes of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo in last summer's transfer window, an assault on the Premier League title was expected, but never materialised. They instead face missing out on the top four and a place in next season's Champions League altogether.

Being unable to boast about Champions League football would be a huge blow for the club, least of all in their attempts to bring in new signings who want to compete with the very best that Europe has to offer on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Nevertheless, they need a manager who will come in and get the club moving in the right direction once again, regardless of whether they are in Europe's premier club competition or not.

READ MORE: Ajax expecting Erik ten Hag to join Manchester United

As revealed by the Manchester Evening News , Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has been United's preferred choice to succeed Ralf Rangnick ahead of next season. He was interviewed by United two weeks ago and is set to become the club's second Dutch manager, having seen off competition from Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino. United insist they have not secured a 'done deal' with any manager.

Should he be confirmed as the new man, he will have a wealth of issues to address, over both the short-term and long-term. With that in mind, MEN Sport has picked out four things that the Dutchman must try and correct if he lands the job.

At Ajax, Ten Hag has been highly successful as a result of the strict, uniformed philosophy they have in place. Everyone knows their jobs and sings from the same hymn sheet.

Over the last few years they have made significant progress, both on and off