Manchester United prioritising Erik ten Hag deal amid Ruud van Nistelrooy interest

Manchester United are prioritising a new deal for Erik ten Hag above any additions to the coaching team this summer.

It is almost two weeks since United confirmed their decision to stick by the Dutchman following their end-of-season review, in which they also reached the conclusion to offer him a new deal.

ManchesterWorld revealed at the time the contract could even see the manager’s role change to that of a head coach as part of the ongoing restructure of the club’s hierarchy. Ten Hag is currently the first-team manager but could change role so that his focus is solely on coaching the players, rather than delving into transfer issues and wider club politics.

United sources say 'positive discussions' are continuing over a new deal for Ten Hag and that the 'priority' remains for him to agree new terms as soon as possible. In an ideal world, he would sign his new deal before the club's tour of the US, though the complicated nature of his new role needs ironing out before an agreement can be reached.

It is understood United have an interest in appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy to their backroom staff, though club sources say it is 'premature' to speak about his possible appointment at this moment in time.

Van Nistelrooy became a United club great after he joined from PSV for £19million in 2001. He scored 150 goals in 219 appearances across five seasons, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. The former Dutch forward has spoken with Burnley about their vacant managerial post, and has been out of a job since he stepped down as coach of PSV Eindhoven last year.

United are looking to hire a new coach this summer with Benni McCarthy set to leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the month.