In the previous month, Erik ten Hag interviewed for the position of manager at Manchester United, and the discussions were positive and fruitful.

Despite the fact that Ajax now expect Ten Hag to be the club's next manager, the transaction is still far from being finalized. Between the two sides, there are still a few things that need to be worked out and agreed upon. There are ongoing negotiations between the club and Ten Hag.

RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in signing Ten Hag, according to rumours that circulated this week. They could be regarded as an attempt to put pressure on United to achieve specific requirements, and it remains to be seen whether or not this will be successful. Despite the fact that Ten Hag would be a great addition, the fact that he is now holding the aces in negotiations demonstrates how far United's standards have plummeted.

For United, the season couldn't come to a close fast enough. The club is going through a period of crisis and transition. Soon after the beginning of the new campaign, the feelings of hope and optimism were replaced by the typical feelings of emptiness and sorrow that had accompanied it previously. Supporters have had a difficult time, and they deserve better treatment. Despite the fact that the trip to Old Trafford is intended to be the highlight of the week, it has turned into a joyless grind.

The absence of silverware has continued for yet another season. During the last few decades, United haven't won a trophy in 40 years. This is because the standards at the club have never been lower than they are now. That says louder than any words could ever hope to.

Ten Hag will be well aware that he is about to embark on the most difficult undertaking of his professional life. The Dutchman has previously held managerial positions at Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich II, Utrecht and Ajax. At Ajax, he has done a lot of good work. Is he the right person to run Manchester United?

To recognize that joining Manchester United at this point in time could be a harsh reality check, you don't necessarily have to be a football fanatic. Without the club being mired in its current quagmire, it would be a very different task altogether.

While we have high hopes that Ten Hag will be able to overcome these obstacles, he may have his concerns as well. According to Gary Neville's comments over the weekend, his demands are unlikely to be monetary in nature. "It will be about control, recruiting, structure, and youth," Neville said of the upcoming elections. "I think he wants to come in and make sure he hasn't been exposed to what other managers have been exposed to in the last 10 years," I say.

Ten Hag's entrance would be highly welcomed, but the fact that he has the upper hand in negotiations with the club is a devastating reflection of the club's current state. As a result, the Eredivisie does not serve as an accurate indicator of Ten Hag's success.

Frank de Boer left Ajax for Crystal Palace in 2017, and he will go down in history as the worst Premier League manager in the history of the league.

With the knowledge that Old Trafford is a tomb for managers, Ten Hag wants to make certain that he has the best possible chance of success. As a result of his demands, United have fallen so far that Ten Hag has the authority - with all due respect - to call the shots in negotiations.

The Glazers have made a long list of blunders during their ownership of the club, which has resulted in the team continuing along the unrelenting path of mediocrity. Unlike many other teams, United did not find themselves in this situation by accident. It is the outcome of severe incompetence at the highest level.

This means that they are in charge of the club, which means that they are responsible for the standards going down to abyss level.

Leaving the negotiating table is not something Ten Hag should be blamed for doing.

The temptation of United, though, is expected to be sufficient for him to put his reputation on the line for them.