Man Utd's five under-fire stars that will benefit from "protective" Erik ten Hag

For several players at Manchester United, the appointment of Erik ten Hag may be viewed as a fresh start and a new era at the club.

Ten Hag is poised to take the reins at Old Trafford after verbally agreeing a four-year contract with the Red Devils. It is expected in the coming weeks that the Dutchman will sign his contract once the clubs agree on a compensation package once the hiring process is complete.

There are many attributes that the 52-year-old has in his repertoire which makes him an ideal candidate to succeed Ralf Rangnick. The Ajax coach has a proven track record of winning trophies, playing attractive football and working efficiently in the transfer market.

But Ten Hag’s ability to guide his players with a nurturing hand rather than give them the cold shoulder leaves a positive effect with his players — and that could prove crucial to a Man United squad lacking in confidence.

His former player Boudewijn Pahlpatz told Sky Sports : "He was always good with players. He always protects them. He can be hard with players but players are always very positive about him - even players who don't play or players who leave to go to another club. They all say he is a good coach and a good person."

But who could benefit the most from his appointment next season at Old Trafford? looks at five under-fire players set to reap the rewards…

Will Marcus Rashford improve under Erik ten Hag? Comment below.

Out of contract in 14 months and out of form, there is a bleak outlook for Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford. And that is why this summer may prove to be his most important so far in resurrecting his career under Ten Hag.

The 24-year-old has scored only five goals in all competitions after struggling to rediscover his