Manchester United outline process to hire next permanent manager amid Mauricio Pochettino rumours

Manchester United have outlined the “thorough process” taking place to find the next manager to permanently take charge of the club.

Ralf Rangnick will see out the season as interim boss with qualification for the Champions League the target after multiple failed trophy bids for the Red Devils.

On Tuesday, football director John Murtough provided an update for fans with a reminder that fourth place is not the club’s long-term goal.

“We know that consistency is key as we strive for a top-four finish this season," Murtough said. “I want to reiterate however that this is not the ultimate objective for Manchester United, and everyone at the club is focused on challenging for the top trophies.

“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."

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax coach Erik ten Hag are among the favourites to permanently succeed Solskjaer at a club that Murtough believes are on the right track.

The football director said the women's team are “enjoying a strong campaign" under Marc Skinner, with work having begun to recruit a Head of Women's Football, while he flagged United's recent appointment of a Director of Data Science.

Murtough told investors: “Overall, while there is potential for further improvement and progress, we do feel that we now have the right structures in place across our men's, women's and academy teams to support long-term success and we will continue working relentlessly and investing to achieve that."

Richard Arnold echoed Murtough's sentiments as the chief executive commented publicly for the first time since