According to reports, Manchester United coach candidate Mauricio Pochettino was unaware of the appointment of Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag was officially appointed as the club’s new coach on Thursday morning after agreeing a three-year deal with the option of an extra year and will take over at the end of the season.

Prior to his appointment, the Dutchman was battling with Pochettino for the spot at Old Trafford with the duo who appeared to be the two main candidates.

However, Pochettino was not informed by the club that Ten Hag had emerged as United’s priority target and was caught by surprise, according to The Athletic.

United had reportedly planned to call Pochettino to inform him directly that he had lost his job before the announcement came.