According to The Times, Manchester United has selected Erik ten Hag as their next fulltime manager since they want someone who can establish a strong playing identity at Old Trafford.

Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique of Spain, and Julen Lopetegui of Spain are now well behind the Dutchman for the top post at Old Trafford.

The United hierarchy is understood to have been pleased with Ten Hag after meeting with him on Monday to discuss their alternatives for a permanent replacement for Ralf Rangnick.

Since his hiring at Ajax in 2017, the 52-year-old has won many trophies and has been praised for fostering an exciting brand of football at the club.

The Red Devils are looking for a manager who can help them develop a strong playing identity, and Hag has been selected to take over in the summer.

The club's management will still interview Pochettino, Enrique, and Lopetegui, according to the source, but United is concerned that the trio are more interested in rebuilding the club through transfers than correcting the playing style.

United will continue to communicate with Pochettino, who now has the burden of dethroning Ten Hag as the club's first choice.