Mauricio Pochettino's 'lack of trophies' counted against him as Manchester United are set to appoint Erik ten Hag instead of the Paris Saint-Germain boss.
The Red Devils struck a verbal agreement with the Ajax manager who is set to sign a three-year deal at Old Trafford. At one point, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Pochettino was the man for the job as the Argentine emerged as the clear frontrunner following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskajer.
But as United's process of finding a new head coach got underway, it was clear that Ten Hag was the preferred candidate. United were impressed with his exciting style of play but the way he built two great Ajax sides within his five-year tenure was what made him such an attractive proposition given the magnitude of the task the new manager faces at Old Trafford.
The Athletic claims senior figures at the club were impressed with Pochettino's CV including his previous experience with Tottenham in the Premier League, his track record of improving players and giving youngsters a chance, as well as the loyalty players have routinely shown to him. But it was his 'lack of trophies' to show for his efforts that counted against him with just one French Cup and a domestic Super Cup to his name so far as a manager.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, boasts two Dutch league and cup doubles with a chance to make it three this season as he will see out the current campaign with the Amsterdam giants. He will then join United in the summer where he will have a huge say in the summer rebuild.
Did Manchester United make the right decision going for Erik ten Hag instead of Mauricio Pochettino? Comment below
Ten Hag was stalling over United's offer as he was worried about how much control he would have over recruitment with a seismic task at hand. But the Red Devils are willing to grant his wish with Ten Hag now verbally agreeing to take the job.
Rafael van der Vaart, speaking on Z Select, reckons it's an appointment that suits both parties. “Ten Hag to Manchester United? It’s nice,” said the midfielder, who turned out for Ajax, Tottenham and Real Madrid during his playing days.
Van der Vaart does think, however, that United players will be ‘thrown out’ if they fail to cooperate with what Ten Hag wants. “These players can't have any excuses anymore,” he added.
