The search for the next Manchester United manager has been highly anticipated ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November last year, and now the board could be getting the ball rolling ahead of their plans to appoint a permanent manager this summer.

What's the word?

Football director, John Murtough, has finally revealed an update on the search for the next manager to take charge at Old Trafford.

Murtough simply said that there is now a "thorough process" happening in a teasing update that will surely excite the supporters.

The director followed that up by saying they aim to hire someone capable of "challenging for those domestic and European titles."

Fans will be buzzing

There is no doubt that the fans have been crying out for change, with Solksjaer becoming their fourth permanent manager to be sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in the summer of 2013. Thus, the idea that a thorough search is now being conducted will surely be music to the ears of the Old Trafford faithful.

Since Ferguson's departure, the Red Devils have struggled to maintain their winning reputation and mentality, spending over a billion pounds on players and winning just three trophies in almost nine years.

As a result of their inconsistencies, if they were to go trophy-less this season it would put the club in their longest trophy drought in 40 years.

With that being said, it is now crucial for the board to make the right decision on a permanent appointment after bringing Ralf Rangnick in as interim to see out the season, the club have expectations and a reputation that could continue to be further tarnished if the right coach isn't brought in to make the changes needed to bring success and trophies back to Old Trafford.

Erik Ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino have been the reported front runners for a while, but no official approach by the Manchester United board has been made for any potential manager so far.

However, with just a few months left of the season and the club on the brink of another campaign without success, they will need to step up their pursuit ahead of the summer, to ensure that the manager will have enough time to make his mark on the squad.

In other news: Elanga must become first choice for Rangnick