Gary Neville expects new Man Utd boss to be named as early as next week after interview held

Gary Neville expects Manchester United to name their next permanent manager as early as next week after Erik ten Hag was interviewed for the position.

The coveted Ajax coach is on a shortlist for the role alongside Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique, but is believed to be interim manager Ralf Rangnick's first choice to replace him ahead of next season.

Reacting to the news of social media, Neville tweeted: "Reports Ten Hag has been interviewed this week. If formal interviews have started and with it being such a public process I would expect a new manager announcement within a week or so."

Rangnick is set to remain in the Red Devils dugout until the end of the campaign before moving upstairs to work a consultancy role. But United are keen to have their next boss confirmed soon to ensure a smoother transition.

At this stage, Manchester United chiefs insist there is no leading candidate for the job despite Ten Hag being the favourite among bookmakers to land the role for the long term.

United football director John Murtough revealed the hiring process was underway a few weeks ago in a statement to fans. It read: "We are now conducting a thorough process for the appointment of a new permanent manager who will take charge this summer, with the objective to get us back to challenging for those domestic and European titles."

Ed Woodward's successor, United chief executive Richard Arnold, added on the future of the club: "Everyone associated with Manchester United should have belief in the opportunities that lie ahead of us, both on the pitch and in the way we engage and serve our fans. We have a clear vision and we are implementing a strategy to win with an empowered leadership team to drive that forward.