Erik ten Hag 'the favourite to become Manchester United's next boss'

Erik ten Hag has reportedly become the favourite to be Manchester United's next manager following 'exhaustive background checks'.

The Ajax boss has been viewed as a leading candidate ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking in November, but has been in a neck-and-neck race with PSG's Mauricio Pochettino.

Current Premier League bosses Brendan Rodgers and Ralph Hasenhuttl have also been mentioned to a lesser degree, while Thomas Tuchel emerged as a shock contender after uncertainty arose around Chelsea's future.

According to The Sun, Manchester United have compiled a 'set of dossiers' on all candidates for the role and it is ten Hag who has come out 'well on top'.

Old Trafford chiefs reportedly believe that the Dutchman has the potential to return the club to their former glories and stay at the helm 'for at least the next five years'.

The report adds that Tuchel has been ruled out as the Red Devils believe a potential Chelsea takeover could keep the German at Stamford Bridge and that situation could drag on into the summer.

United are keen to confirm their new boss as soon as possible to give the incoming man as much time as possible to prepare for next season.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been involved in the filtering of candidates as he is set to take on a consultancy role at the club in the summer.

Ten Hag's contract at Ajax runs until 2023, so a compensation fee will need to be agreed should United make their move.