Manchester United are preparing for a fresh start under new manager Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag took over after leaving Ajax at the end of the 2021/22 season, signing off with a third Eredivisie title.

But, upon the season's end, Ten Hag left his post at Ajax earlier than planned to get a head start at United ahead of the upcoming season.

And with United having already confirmed the departures of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata in recent weeks, with Nemanja Matic expected to be the next one to join that list, the rebuild is once again underway.

Ten Hag takes over from a disastrous season that saw United finish in sixth place despite heading into the campaign expecting to put together a Premier League title challenge.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November and replaced on an interim basis by Ralf Rangnick, who could not get a tune out of the squad despite being deemed the man to improve the tactical side of proceedings at United.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Ralf Rangnick, Interim Manager of Manchester United looks dejected following their side's defeat in the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 09, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

United have also confirmed Rangnick will not see through a consultancy role as previously planned following Ten Hag's arrival, with just about everything being changed around at Old Trafford from players to coaching staff, to the delight of fans.

One person who remains sceptical about the Dutchman's arrival, however, is Danny Murphy.

Murphy, a former midfielder for the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Fulham, has discussed the hot seat at Old Trafford and was asked on talkSPORT who he would have chosen for the vacancy out of Ten Hag, and current England manager Gareth Southgate.

Murphy chose the latter, explaining his answer - which included also bringing in Southgate's assistant Steve Holland - in further detail.

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Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy explained his choice: "I think they've come a long way, the pair of them.

"I think what they've achieved at England, the way he's [Southgate] managed players - big players - I think he's evolved into a very, very intelligent football manager.

"With Steve by his side I think they'd do a great job at a big club."

A very brave shout from Murphy, who then went on to justify his doubts over United's choice of Ten Hag.

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He explained that it's not just an improvement on the pitch that United need, but someone to improve the squad's harmony initially.

"They need someone to bring together this squad," Murphy explained, adding: "And try and create a unity and an atmosphere and an energy that England have."

Murphy acknowledged Ten Hag's achievements in Holland with Ajax and Utrecht, describing them as 'credible', but expressed doubt over the fact that he hasn't had experienced managing big players at a club the size of United.

ARNHEM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 15: AFC Ajax Head Coach / Manager, Erik ten Hag thanks the away fans after the Dutch Eredivisie match between Vitesse and Ajax Amsterdam held at Gelredome on May 15, 2022 in Arnhem, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

"Every part of his life is gonna be magnified, whether he goes to the wrong shop at the wrong time. Whether he drives the wrong car - everything he does is now gonna be talked about."

Murphy is not wrong, with every United manager put under intense pressure, and Ten Hag having to deliver on a lot of expectations.

Southgate has been linked with the United job in previous seasons, but with a World Cup on the horizon for England and Ten Hag just getting his feet under the desk at the Theatre of Dreams, it is unlikely Murphy's shout will come true anytime soon.