Manchester United will not appoint a manager before the end of the Premier League season, ESPN understands.
There was widespread expectation that Louis van Gaal would be confirmed as David Moyes’ successor on Wednesday but sources say that no announcement is likely until after Sunday’s game at Southampton at the earliest.
United have been in talks with Netherlands manager Van Gaal, who will leave his post with the national team after this summer’s World Cup, but they have not been concluded.
Van Gaal has begun a training camp with the Holland-based members of his preliminary World Cup squad and it had been thought that the 62-year-old was keen to tie up a deal with United before it began.
The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager emerged as the favourite to replace Moyes after the Scot was sacked on April 22 after just 10 months in charge.
Player-coach Ryan Giggs has served as United’s interim manager for the last three games and will be at the helm again at St Mary’s, but is not being considered for the long-term post due to his lack of managerial experience.
Giggs, who is unsure where his future lies, said after Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Hull: “Nothing has changed since Saturday. It could be the next few days, it could be the next couple of weeks [when a manager is appointed].”
United have been determined not to rush their search for their next manager but are also keen to proceed with their summer transfer business, while three senior players – Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra – are out of contract and their futures will not be determined until an appointment is made.