Four Manchester United problems Erik ten Hag must solve if he is appointed manager

The size of the challenge awaiting Manchester United's next permanent manager is an enormous one.

After signing the likes of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo in last summer's transfer window, the club was expected to launch a genuine Premier League title charge. Instead, with nine games of the season to go, they face the prospect of missing out on the top four and a place in next season's Champions League.

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: Three players who would benefit from Erik ten Hag becoming Manchester United manager

As revealed by the Manchester Evening News, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is United's preferred choice to succeed Ralf Rangnick ahead of next season. The Dutchman has been linked with the job since November and is a popular choice amongst the supporters.

Should he land the job, 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 the pitch, as a result of the vision that has been mapped out from