It's no secret that Manchester United are interested in appointing Erik ten Hag as their next manager. The Ajax head coach has emerged as the favorite for the Old Trafford job, but with an agreement yet to be struck with the Dutchman, a competition has now entered the race to land the highly-rated tactician.
They are none other than RB Leipzig, one of the Bundesliga's top sides. A report by the Daily Mail claims that the interest from the Bundesliga giants have "escalated over the previous 48 hours" in a last-ditch attempt to beat the Red Devils to the 52-year-old's signature.
However, the 20-time English champions remain the favorites to sign Ten Hag. One thing that appears almost certain is his departure from Ajax, with the Eredivisie heavyweight accepting that their boss will leave this summer.
Manchester United have already held advanced talks with the Dutchman and will have to pay a $2M compensation fee to his current employers if they wish to break him from his contract, which expires in the summer of 2023. As a result, all roads point to a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
RB Leipzig's recent interest could be interpreted as a power play from Ten Hag's camp as they look to guarantee more control at Old Trafford. According to the reports, during the interview with the Red Devils higher-ups, Erik outlined his project and demanded authority over transfer dealings as he wishes to shape a Manchester United lineup that best suits his style of play.
Whether the Ajax boss will get his way remains unknown, but all of that hinges on the Premier League giants wrapping up this deal. Given how Cristiano and Co. have been performing this season, the English outfit could do with an appointment as soon as possible.
Ralf Rangnick, who was only appointed on an interim basis, oversaw yet another drab defeat, this time going 1-0 down away to relegation-battling Everton. In the eyes of many, that result all but killed their slim top-four hopes as the players and fans prepare for a season without UEFA Champions League.
