How Erik ten Hag could line up Manchester United with three new signings

Manchester United are edging closer and closer towards installing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their new permanent manager.

The Dutchman, 52, was revealed by the Manchester Evening News as the club's preferred candidate last month and is now on course to be appointed as Ralf Rangnick's successor ahead of next season. Reports suggest that Ten Hag is now on the brink of accepting the role at Old Trafford, with only the signing of his contract to be done.

Should United get it over the line, it will end months of speculation that has dominated proceedings at Old Trafford since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked back in November. Along with Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, Ten Hag has been a leading frontrunner for the role since the Norwegian was axed and is now poised to take the job.

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MEN Sport has taken a close look at how the Ajax chief could set United up next season, featuring the addition of three new signings. The Dutchman is renowned for playing with a 4-3-3 system in his homeland and it is possible that he could repeat the trick in England.

Goalkeeper - Dean Henderson

Although David de Gea has enjoyed a fantastic season, and is almost certain to be crowned Player of the Year, Ajax's interest in Dean Henderson ahead of the January transfer window could see a change in the United goal. Henderson has a big decision to make about his future this summer as he is no longer at an age where can be happy with a spot on the bench.

He will want to play week-in, week-out — whether it be at United or elsewhere. And Ten Hag's fondness for developing homegrown talent and bringing younger players