The club hierarchy thought to be impressed by his vision and philosophy was impressed by the talks Manchester United held with Erik ten Hag on Monday.

The interview was part of the process to find the next boss.

The process has reached a more advanced stage, but it does not mean that Ten Hag is the club's first choice.

United will speak to their other preferred candidates as part of the process.

According to United sources, there is no early favourite yet and they are open minded about the identity of their new manager.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this week that they are Mauricio, Julen and Luis.

The good relationship United has with the Dutch club allowed them to speak to Ten Hag.

As soon as possible, the club will make a decision on their next permanent manager. They have not set a deadline for the process, which is being led by John Murtough.

For a more accessible video player, please use the chrome browser.

Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to enter the game as Ralf Rangnick looks on

The video player is not loading yet.

The current time is 0:00.

0:00

Remaining time is :0.

The current time is 0:00.

0:00

Remaining time is :0.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes the club can still attract the best managers in the world but admits whoever takes over will have a tough job.

Representatives of Ten Hag and Ajax have been contacted.

United had previously distanced themselves from coverage suggesting they are circling around Thomas Tuchel, with one source describing it as "media talk not reality".

There is a four-man list being considered to take charge of the club, which does not have a European Cup-winning manager.

United are aware that the opening move for a new ownership group at Stamford Bridge will be to keep Tuchel.

For a more accessible video player, please use the chrome browser.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (left) and Harry Maguire (right) appear dejected after they concede at Turf Moor

The video player is not loading yet.

The current time is 0:00.

0:00

Remaining time is :0.

The current time is 0:00.

0:00

Remaining time is :0.

Former Manchester United player Terry Gibson says the club need to start again from scratch in the summer as the club is too big to continue going without trophies

The 48-year-old has displayed the opposite of a desire to leave the club, navigating difficult circumstances with aplomb and showing his happiness despite the upheaval.

Ahead of the new season, United want a manager.

Follow Manchester United with Sky Sports

You can follow every Man Utd game in the premier league this season with our live blogs on the Sky Sports website and app, and watch match highlights for free after the game.

Want the latest news from Man Utd? You can watch Man Utd goals and video, keep track of the Premier League table, and watch Man Utd games on Sky Sports.

You can get all this and more by using the Sky Sports Scores app and setting Man Utd as your favourite team.

Find out how to get Sky Sports, listen to the best Premier League reaction and expert analysis with the Essential Football, follow the Sky Sports social accounts, and keep up-to-date with the Transfer Centre.