Manchester United fear appointing Erik ten Hag might result in a backlash from supporters.
United are said to have reservations about Ten Hag following his interview with club bosses, because he has never managed a club close to being as big. Talks with Ten Hag were said to be positive, but United still have reservations about him being a big enough character to handle the challenge he would face with the fallen giants.
It remains to be seen if Ten Hag goes on to be viewed as the right fit for a club that is desperate to get back to the top of English and European football. Ten Hag, 52, was interviewed for the Tottenham job in the wake of Jose Mourinho ’s sacking.
But Daniel Levy chose to appoint Nuno Santos instead after deciding that Ten Hag didn’t possess the right credentials. Spurs were concerned when Ten Hag told them he would need a lot of backroom support to be a success, but suggested just one name he was willing to work with.
United know the next appointment is crucial to both the short-term and long-term future of the club. While chief executive officer Richard Arnold wants to be seen to be making the most popular appointment, he knows he has to make the correct hire.
One concern is how fans may react if United opt for a manager even Spurs deemed was not good enough. United hired David Moyes in 2013 when the now-West Ham boss was of a similar age and had a similar track record to Ten Hag.
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Moyes was out of his depth at Old Trafford and was sacked after 10 months in charge. Ralf Rangnick has been managing United on an interim basis since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking last November.
While Ten Hag has been interviewed by United, the club has been keen to stress no candidate has emerged as a frontrunner. Mauricio Pochettino has the support of Sir Alex Ferguson, while Spain boss Luis Enrique and Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel are serious contenders.
Tuchel is still United's preferred target, but club insiders admit it will be difficult to get the German out of Chelsea.
