Ten Hag or Pochettino? Who Manchester United should hire as their next manager

Manchester United have entered a critical stage of the season, one which will go a long way to dictating the mood heading into a crucial summer for the club.

While there are big calls to be made over the likes of Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire, no decision will be more significant than the appointment of a new long-term manager. Upon dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, United explored the possibility of making a quick appointment but decided to hire Ralf Rangnick as interim manager as none of their top targets were available.

The German’s steadied the ship at Old Trafford, affording the board the chance to mull over their options and to take a calm approach to finding the manager to end the club’s wait for the Premier League title.

After much consideration, United are believed to have finalised a shortlist of candidates. While the likes of Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui are candidates, Erik Ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino are the preferred options.

United hope to speak to both candidates in the coming weeks but who would be the better fit at Old Trafford? Metro.co.uk takes a look at the key criteria…

Pochettino made his name in England with Southampton but he was already earning a reputation on these shores for his stint with Espanyol. The Argentine took charge of his former club in 2009, when they were in disarray and in the relegation zone. Despite managing nine of his former team-mates, Pochettino was able to quickly implement his ideas and that was evident when, after just two training sessions in charge of the side, Espanyol earned a 0-0 draw against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey. Pochettino would go on to keep the side in the top flight that term and he recorded the club’s first win against