Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Erik ten Hag to become their next permanent manager, The Athletic understands.

It is believed to be a verbal agreement. He is expected to join on a contract to run for up to four years.

Ajax are aware of the situation and still need to reach a deal with United. United will also need to finalise details and documentation, while there will be no written agreement or announcement until after Ajax face PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Cup final on April 17.

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The Athletic understands his coaching staff will also be finalised in due course.

United want to be respectful to both Ajax and Ten Hag as they have a cup final to play and are still seeking to be champions of the Eredivisie.

Manchester United and Ten Hag’s representatives SEG declined to comment.

Ten Hag will replace Ralf Rangnick, who has been doing the job on an interim basis since former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by the Premier League club in November.