Man Utd risk not delivering Erik ten Hag's transfer wishlist after managerial ultimatum

Manchester United may have made progress in their bid to appoint Erik ten Hag as their new permanent manager, but the Red Devils still have work to do if they are to convince the Ajax boss.

Ten Hag, who has beaten out Mauricio Pochettino to be United's preferred candidate after multiple in-depth interviews, is not only making the usual demands surrounding the details of his lucrative contract, but has made it clear to the Old Trafford hierarchy that he wants full control over the club's transfer business and the final say on any dealings which has caused negations to stall.

Having adopted a scattergun approach in the post- Sir Alex Ferguson era, the 52-year-old is keen to overhaul the Red Devils' recruitment strategy, only signing players who are suited to his specific style of play; a high-pressing, possession-based brand of football employed by their rivals and most of the best teams in Europe.

But as talks between United and Ten Hag continue, those in charge at Old Trafford risk dropping the ball when it comes to their plans for the summer transfer window, with Mirror Football understanding that RB Leipzig have already smelt blood and offered the acclaimed coach a deal to become their new manager instead.

The Red Devils' most desperate positional issue to solve is in defensive midfield, with Ralf Rangnick recently admitting how injuries to both Fred and Scott McTominay - each considered not good enough to bring United back to the top - leave them exposed in that department.

Given their obvious need for an upgrade, Ten Hag has reportedly made Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves his No.1 transfer target, while the 20-time English champions are continually linked with Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.