Mauricio Pochettino has been considered for the Manchester United job 'for a long time' and remains the frontrunner to head to Old Trafford at the end of the season, according to respected journalist Dean Jones.

Ralf Rangnick was appointed as the Red Devils' interim manager in November, replacing the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he will move into a consultancy role in the summer and the club are looking for a long-term successor.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to appoint their next permanent manager before the season reaches its climax.

It is understood that the Red Devils' players want Pochettino, who is currently at the Paris Saint-Germain helm, to move into the dugout.

Pochettino is under pressure to win the Champions League in the French capital and Manchester United are watching the situation closely.

However, it appears the stars on the pitch may not get their way as, according to The Sun, new chief executive Richard Arnold and Rangnick have other ideas.

The report suggests Arnold has backed Rangnick's pursuit of Erik ten Hag, with the German adamant the Ajax chief is the right man to lead a long-term revival.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones believes Pochettino is still in pole position to be unveiled as Manchester United's new manager after Rangnick moves into his consultancy role.

The transfer insider understands the 49-year-old has been on the Red Devils hierarchy's radar for a prolonged period and his experience could see him get the nod ahead of ten Hag.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "With Pochettino, the club have been considering him for a long time. They know the type of players that he has worked with and might be able to bring with him.

"They know he's got the Premier League pedigree and managed in the Champions League final. There's so much more, for me, that fits with somebody like Pochettino than ten Hag at this stage."

How do Pochettino and ten Hag's records compare?

Pochettino has won 284 of his 583 matches in management and, unlike ten Hag, boasts Premier League experience.

The Argentinian tasted victory silverware has come since taking charge of PSG.

Dutchman ten Hag, meanwhile, has enjoyed more success when it comes to getting his hands on trophies.

The 52-year-old has clinched the Eredivisie title twice, along with the Dutch Cup on as many occasions and his homeland's Super Cup once.

Ten Hag has been on the winning side 272 times over the course of 421 games in the dugout.