Manchester United must let Erik ten Hag tear it down and rebuild

All signs point to Erik ten Hag being appointed the next permanent manager of Manchester United. Manchester Evening News understands that the club have held talks with the Dutch manager and are looking to finalise a deal for him to be in the dugout at Old Trafford next season.

But while United will have some demands for Ten Hag, the current Ajax manager will have some of his own. With his stock at an all-time high, Ten Hag will want guarantees that he has all the tools at his disposal to succeed.

It has been reported elsewhere that Ten Hag is demanding United allow him to make widespread changes to the squad in order to better implement his philosophy. The Dutchman is also reportedly keen to sign a number of young 'hungry' players with the fitness needed to be able to play pressing football for long periods.

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Should United need any convincing over giving in to these reported demands, then look no further than the 1-0 defeat against Everton. It is clear as day that an overhaul is needed.

Everton were - and still are - in need of points to confirm their Premier League status for another year, while United's ever-fading top-four hopes needed reviving. Two teams at opposing ends of the table but it was United who looked like the doomed team, out of ideas and hope.

It was the lack of effort and desire that annoyed many United fans, as the players never appeared convinced that they would leave Goodison Park with points after Anthony Gordon's strike deflected off Harry Maguire and past David de Gea for the only goal. As the game wore on, the players appeared either clueless or having decided to ignore Ralf Rangnick's