Manchester United has long been searching for its manager of the future, and it seems they are in the final stages of locking down the club's next skipper. ESPN reported Wednesday that Manchester United was finalizing a deal with Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag to take over as the next manager of the Red Devils.

Ten Hag has been linked to Manchester for a long time now, and after many months of speculation, the deal looks set to come to fruition. Other coaches on Manchester United's shortlist for the job included PSG's Mauricio Pochettino and Sevilla's Julien Lopetegui, though just about every manager under the sun had their names tossed in the ring at one point or another.

After firing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this season, Ralf Rangnick had taken over as interim manager. The club opted not to move forth with him beyond this season, however, preferring to go after one of the bigger names in coaching. They landed just that with the Ten Hag deal, bringing one of Europe's most esteemed coaches to the club in hopes of rediscovering their past form.

Article Continues Below
More Soccer News
Patrick Mahomes and Lionel Messi, fire symbols
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi link-up leaves fans buzzingRichard Pereira ·
Odell Beckham Jr. wears Christmas themed cleats for New York Giants.
NFLPA takes shot at MetLife Stadium after installing grass field for Club World CupGuillermo Guajardo ·
United States defender Ali Krieger (center) carries midfielder Carli Lloyd while playing a game during a training session for the 2015 Women's World Cup at Empire Field South.
USWNT legends Carli Lloyd, Ali Krieger help US Women repeat as TST champsMiguel La Torre ·
LA Galaxy former player Landon Donovan looks on before the 2024 MLS Cup against the New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park.
USMNT legend Landon Donovan bluntly calls out players opting out of Gold CupMiguel La Torre ·
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Spain and UEFA Nations League logo, fire symbols
Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional reaction after Portugal wins UEFA Nations LeagueRichard Pereira ·
National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) soccer balls are seen on the field prior to a match between San Diego Wave FC and Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium.
Boston Legacy FC unveils official logo as 2026 NWSL debut approachesJess Koffie ·

Ten Hag has enjoyed an excellent tenure with Ajax, making a name for himself as one of the sharpest minds in all of football, particularly after the Dutch side's remarkable Champions League run a few years back. He's set for the biggest opportunity of his coaching career now that he'll be coaching Manchester United.

The Red Devils reportedly were debating between Ten Hag and Pochettino for their managerial vacancy, but executives Richard Arnold and Joel Glazer were among those who preferred Ten Hag.