Manchester United are doing the right thing with Erik ten Hag

There is a sense that no matter what Manchester United do, it will always be wrong. A two-week international break is particularly long after a Champions League defeat, and it seems like patience is beginning to wear thin for some fans.

United were always going to use the fortnight without football as an opportunity to push ahead with their search for a new permanent manager, but some supporters might be in need of a little reality check if they are going to moan about the lack of updates so far.

The club has long been criticised for making rash decisions and acting on impulse rather than as part of a clear long-term plan. The fact that they are taking time to carefully decide who their next permanent manager can only be seen as a positive if they really are to make the type of changes required to reclaim their crown on the throne of English football.

As things stand, Erik ten Hag is the leading candidate to be made United manager at the end of the season after he impressed in his interview last week, though club sources reiterate that caution is needed as they continue with their interview process.

The Dutchman is believed to have impressed when he spoke about what he would bring to the role, with an emphasis on implementing a clear playing style and unlocking the true potential of the wasted talent already at the club, rather than demanding a mass overhaul in the transfer market.

It all sounds very promising, but in the coming days and weeks, another candidate might emerge who impresses club officials even more, thus emerging as the top target for the managerial vacancy.

With Ten Hag still contracted to Ajax and involved in a tight title battle, it is nonsense to criticise the club for not offering him a deal already, nor does it make any sense when they are still exploring other options for the role.

In the coming week, it would be great if United could trim their shortlist and identify a clear-cut leading candidate for the role, though the fact that there is still no obvious choice highlights exactly why patience is required.

Social media supporters might be big on Ten Hag getting the role right away, but there can be no ignoring his lack of experience outside of the Netherlands or the difficulty he might have attracting elite players this summer, particularly without Champions League football to offer.

By the end of the process, Ten Hag could well be the unanimous choice to lead United in the crucial years ahead, but the entire point is that until that decision becomes certain, there is no point in rushing such an appointment.

After nearly a decade of failed managerial hires, it is crucial the club finally learn from their mistakes of the past.

Patience is a virtue.