Leekens (pictured) is the current coach of Belgian First Division side Kortrijk and is set to sign a twoyear contract. Although Belgium has a strong crop of young, emerging players, including Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen, Everton’s Marouane Fellaini and Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany, the Red Devils have not qualified for a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup.

Leekens, 60, replaces Dick Advocaat after the Dutchman resigned just six months into his tenure. However, Leekens was third choice for the post: Eric Gerets was considered to be too expensive and former Belgium goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme was not freed by his club Gent.

This will mark Leekens’ 19th managerial post over the past 26 years, with 13 stints in Belgian clubs, as well as brief spells as coach of Algeria and Turkish side Trabzonspor. He can claim to have coached almost all the top Flemish clubs during his career: Cercle Brugge (twice), CS Brugge, Mechelen, KAA Gent, Kortrijk (twice) and KSC Lokeren (twice), as well as Anderlecht.