Ralf Rangnick labels Man United target Erik ten Hag top manager

Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Erik ten Hag and the Dutch club Ajax to secure his release for the next season when Ralf Rangnick’s interim role comes to end

Ralf Rangnick on Friday labelled Erik ten Hag as a “top manager” amid mounting reports the Ajax boss is Manchester United’s top choice to take charge from next season.

United have reportedly held talks with Ten Hag and the Dutch club to secure his release.

Rangnick refused to directly address the reports that Ten Hag will be the Old Trafford team’s next manager, but United’s interim boss said the candidates interviewed were of a high quality.

“I think this press conference is for tomorrow’s game. I don’t tend to speak about any new possible manager,” Rangnick told reporters on Friday.

“What I know about all the managers the club has spoken to so far, they are top managers, top coaches, and if this includes Erik ten Hag it is also true of him.

“That’s all I can say about that at this stage. For me it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s game.”

Rangnick’s own future at United has been a topic of conversation this week.