Manchester United will not appoint a manager before the end of the Premier League season.
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There was widespread expectation that Louis van Gaal would be confirmed as David Moyes' successor on Wednesday but sources have told ESPN FC that no announcement is likely until after Sunday's game at Southampton.
United have been in talks with Netherlands boss Van Gaal, who will leave his post with the Dutch national team after the summer's World Cup, but they have not been concluded.
Van Gaal has begun a training camp with the Netherlands-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 the 2013 Premier League champions 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.
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 he is not being considered for the post due to his lack of experience.
Giggs said in his news conference after Tuesday's 3-1 win over 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.