Why Manchester United manager stance makes sense amid Erik ten Hag interest

'Clear and obvious' are two words that have been etched into the minds of every Manchester United supporter over the past couple of seasons.

It was those two words which saved United from the humiliation of a home defeat against Leicester when VAR ruled out James Maddison's strike over the weekend, as officials adjudged Kelechi Iheanacho to have fouled Raphael Varane before the ball hit the back of the net. They are also the two words that must be considered in the club's hunt for a new permanent manager.

Erik ten Hag is United's preferred candidate for the role, with Mauricio Pochettino currently viewed as his closest challenger for the Old Trafford position. Both have been spoken to by the club. Both of them appear to divide the United dressing room and fanbase.

READ MORE: Exclusive: United dressing room split over possible Ten Hag appointment

If the search for United's next manager were to be decided by an online poll, then Dutchman Ten Hag would already be celebrating his coronation. Instead, club officials have reiterated a need for patience as they carry out an extensive process.

It is always difficult to gauge the true mood of a fanbase given how skewed social media supporters can be, and the fact that so many voiced outrage when Mauricio Pochettino was the favoured pick among the majority of players two months ago highlights just how much of a tricky decision they have to make.

There can be no disputing the obvious success Ten Hag has enjoyed at Ajax, but there seems to be a misleading narrative that this 52-year-old, who crumbled in the Champions League against Benfica, is a new kid on the block with the authority to overhaul a disillusioned squad.

It almost seems to be the opposite with Pochettino. While Ten