Erik ten Hag told Manchester United chiefs that he needs five years to turn them around as he laid out his vision for the club if he is to take over at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman also demanded that United stars improve their fitness levels to compete at the top level and delivered a list of transfer targets - that included some of his Ajax players.
Sportsmail reported last month that the Dutchman was interviewed by United chiefs as they ponder who to appoint as the long-term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.