The news around Manchester United continues to focus on their under-fire manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following club’s concerning run of results.
The most recent candidate to emerge as a contender to potentially succeed the Norwegian at the helm at Old Trafford is Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag.
The Dutchman has carried out an impressive job at Ajax since taking charge in 2017 winning five trophies, guiding them to a Champions League semi-final and winning 134 of his 184 games at the helm.
Ten Hag has continued the Ajax tradition of an attractive brand of football, guiding the Dutch giants to two Eredivisie and KNVB cup doubles.
He ticks many of the boxes that United are looking for in their next boss so here is a look at what he will bring to the role.
Minimal tactical disruption
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United have been reasonably flexible in their tactical approach depending on the scope and size of the task.
The most common formation used under the Norwegian has been a 4-2-3-1, with a fluid three-man attacking system operating behind a central striker.
Despite this being switched to a 3-5-2 formation in recent weeks to protect the defence, it is arguably the formation best suited to United’s squad.
This is also the formation that Ten Hag uses at Ajax, although this can sometimes rotate in-game to 4-3-3 or 3-4-3.
This means that Ten Hag’s preferred system already has the players in place at Old Trafford, so there would be minimal disruption.
Read more: Jurgen Klopp has already endorsed Solskjaer's possible replacement Ten Hag
Style of play
Perhaps the biggest charge that has been levelled at United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired is their lack of any clear, identifiable playing style.
Solskjaer has implemented elements of counter-attacking football during his three years in charge but Ten Hag’s preference is for a higher possession style of play.
While this is embodied by Ajax as a club, there would be a similarity in approach at Old Trafford should he be appointed.
While there are overlaps with Louis van Gaal’s approach, Ten Hag has greater focus on risk-taking and attacking football while he would also have a higher skilled squad at his disposal.
Read more: Luis Enrique's Man Utd plan has Ferguson influence and key Jadon Sancho role
Van de Beek revival
The most obvious connection between Ten Hag and United is Donny van de Beek, who switched Ajax for Old Trafford last year.
The midfielder made 175 appearances under the boss, scoring 41 goals, and thriving in the role he was given in the side.
Ten Hag said of the 24-year-old prior to his sale: "Donny has become an absolute star for us.
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"He has developed into a modern midfielder, with depth, goals and a strong transition to both sides."
Van de Beek would be essential to Ten Hag’s approach and style of play, which could see a revolution in his fortunes at Old Trafford.
Van der Sar return?
Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is CEO of Ajax and had previously been linked to replacing Ed Woodward in the role at Old Trafford.
The former shot-stopper has enjoyed success in his role in Amsterdam and has claimed he could only swap the club for United, for whom he played over six seasons.
Van Der Sar told ESPN this year: "The pressure is different and I won't work at a club where I don't have a feeling. I could only do this for Ajax or United.
"I would not work for any other clubs. I am really happy with how we have [developed] Ajax in the last couple of years.
"We had ambitions 10 years ago to reach the top of Europe. We have reached that.
"We had to work really hard, we don't have a rich owner and the government didn't help us."
Woodward, when he eventually leaves his role, looks set to be replaced by Richard Arnold – but the lack of football experience and expertise on the board should be cause for alarm, and van der Sar would be an ideal candidate to help.
