Manchester United's midfield plans, Kalvin Phillips chances and Erik ten Hag announcement

After several months of speculation, Manchester United are edging closer towards appointing their next permanent manager in the form of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

As revealed by the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday evening, Ajax bosses are expecting the Dutchman to leave the club and join United ahead of the start of next season. The 52-year-old has been sounded out as the club's preferred candidate to pick up the baton from Ralf Rangnick and oversee United's next chapter.

Ten Hag was interviewed for the job a little over a fortnight ago and was quickly installed as the favourite to take charge, despite Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino continuing to be linked with a return to England. Although United have insisted that no deal has yet been agreed, all of the pointers suggest that Ten Hag will be the man walking up and down the touchline next term.

READ MORE: Manchester United working on Kalvin Phillips transfer

Whilst Ten Hag is edging closer to taking over the reins at Old Trafford, United have a huge clash with Everton on Saturday to prepare for, meaning there are other important matters going on aside from the managerial pursuit. On Thursday, MEN Sport's chief United writer, Samuel Luckhurst, hosted a Q&A in an attempt to try and answer as many questions as possible that United's supporters had, ranging from questions on Ten Hag, the top-four battle and plans for the summer transfer window.

Q: When do you think united will announce the manager appointment?

SL: I think it's pointless speculating on the timeframe. Since they identified Ten Hag as the preferred candidate some four weeks ago, it's been his to lose. United have stressed multiple candidates are under consideration but all along there