Erik ten Hag, the highly-rated head coach of Ajax, appears to be the leading candidate for Manchester United's managerial role. However, the Dutchman has received a stern warning from a man who is familiar with the ins and outs of the Old Trafford job: Louis van Gaal.
With Ralf Rangnick set to depart the Premier League giants once this season ends, the Red Devils are keen on naming the true successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Erik being in pole position for the permanent job.
In fact, the 52-year-old has already been interviewed by the Theatre of Dreams higher-ups. The Dutchman spoke with the club about a week ago, leaving a lasting impression on those at Manchester United, but a decision regarding the Ajax boss is not expected soon.
But are the odds of the Eredivisie winner accepting the Old Trafford job diminishing by the day? Rumors emerged claiming other European clubs look to prise the tactician away from Ajax, but that is no longer the only concern, as Van Gaal has publicly warned his fellow countryman against joining the 20-time English champions.
The former Barcelona boss is no stranger to the Manchester United hot seat, having managed the historic team for two seasons after David Moyes' unceremonious dismissal. Given that he is familiar with the current owners, his opinion will likely carry some weight in the eyes of Ten Hag.
But what did the current Dutch national team gaffer say? The 70-year-old argued that the Red Devils are a club driven mainly by commercial goals and that the brilliance of Erik would be better served at a team that focuses on the sporting aspect.
"Erik ten Hag is a great coach, and that is always good for Manchester United. But Manchester United are a commercial club, so it's a difficult choice for a coach. He'd better go to a football club," Van Gaal said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
"I'm not going to advise him, he'll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club."
The Ajax man isn't the only candidate for the job, it should be noted. Mauricio Pochettino, who appeared to be the favorite not too long ago, remains in the mix while Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui are outside candidates.
