Manchester United held “positive” talks with Erik ten Hag on Monday – with the club hierarchy thought to be impressed by his vision and philosophy. The interview was part of the ongoing process to appoint the next permanent first-team boss. That process is said to have now reached a more advanced stage, but does not mean Ten Hag has emerged as the club’s first choice. As part of the process, United also plan to speak to their other preferred candidates. 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 the other candidates are Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique. Ten Hag has a contract at Ajax that runs until the summer of 2023, but United’s good relationship with the Dutch club – former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is chief executive – allowed them to speak to him. The club want to make a decision on their next permanent manager as soon as ...