Erik ten Hag would need to change Manchester United transfer policy

There's a mini heatwave in Manchester and things are heating up at Old Trafford in the search for United's next manager. The two-week international break has given the club the perfect opportunity to push on with their pursuit of a long-term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with interviews taking place in the last couple of days.

United have interviewed Ajax boss Erik ten Hag about potentially becoming the club's next permanent manager. The 52-year-old is United's preferred choice to take over in the summer, but the club has not made a final decision as it continues with its process.

Club sources have reiterated that they remain open-minded in the search for a new manager and that, because of the enormity of the decision, they will speak to many candidates before taking the next steps. United intend to settle on their next manager before the end of the season to help accelerate plans for a summer that will be constrained by the 2022-23 season starting earlier than usual on August 6th, because of the winter World Cup.

READ MORE: Manchester United plan further talks following Erik ten Hag manager interview

Whether the new appointment is Ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino, or someone else, they will all have the same checklist to go through when they arrive in their office. Most of the focus will be on the players they look to bring in to reshape the squad. However, arguably the most important task will be with regards to those players who will soon be out of contract and all look set to leave the club for free.

United head into the summer with five senior players set to depart for free upon the expiry of their contracts, though there is still the slim possibility of a last minute U-turn if a new manager can convince them they