Man Utd appoint Erik ten Hag

“During the last four years at Ajax, Erik has proven himself to be one of Europe’s most successful and inspirational coaches. He has built his reputation on the team’s compelling attacking play and commitment to develop young players,” Man Utd director of football John Murtough stated on the club’s website.

The contract between the Old Trafford team and Ten Hag runs from the end of this season to June 2025, with the option to extend for another year. Man Utd announced that it has completed the procedure to apply for a work permit for the Dutch military leader.

“In the course of our discussions with Erik, leading up to this appointment, we were extremely impressed with his foresight in bringing Man Utd back to the level of competition we wanted, and Erik’s drive and determination to do so. We wish Erik the best of luck as he completes his season with Ajax and look forward to welcoming him at Man Utd this summer,” commented Murtough.

Ten Hag is one of the two leading candidates to succeed Ralf Rangnick to lead Man Utd, along with Mauricio Pochettino. A source close to the 52-year-old coach revealed to Sky Sports that Man Utd must pay compensation of less than $ 2.6 million for Ajax to release.

“It is a great honor to be appointed manager of Man Utd. I am excited about the challenge ahead. I know the history of Man Utd and the passion of the fans. I am completely determined to build a team. The ball is strong enough to win the glory worthy of the club,” Ten Hag said.

“Leaving Ajax after successful years is difficult. I assure the fans that I will fulfill my commitment and responsibility to help the club finish the season in the best way, before moving to Man Utd.” he sent a message to Ajax fans.

Ten Hag is the fifth manager to sign a long-term contract with Man Utd after Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The Old Trafford team won trophies in those nine years, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. However, Man Utd is in danger of missing out on the Champions League this season. They are sixth in the Premier League, three points behind Tottenham in fourth and have played more than one game.

After the 0-4 loss to Liverpool, Rangnick, who will move into an advisory role after giving up his seat to Ten Hag, admitted Man Utd needed a major overhaul. He thinks the club needs to add up to 10 players. Man Utd’s first team will also see the departure of a number of stars such as Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani or Jesse Lingard when their contracts expire this summer.

Ten Hag was born in 1970, played as a central defender while playing in the period 1989-2002, mainly for Dutch clubs. He began his coaching career with Go Ahead Eagles, in the Dutch second division. In just one season, he brought this club to the top, before going to lead the reserve team of Bayern Munich. At that time, Ten Hag maintained a relationship with Bayern Munich first team coach Pep Guardiola. After two years in Germany, Ten Hag returned to the Netherlands to lead Utrecht to fifth, then fourth in the league.

Ten Hag’s career has progressed since he took charge of Ajax on December 21, 2017. In 2019, he led Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League, the first time since 1997. Ajax only stopped before Pochettino’s Tottenham. Ten Hag can leave Ajax with a third Dutch championship in a row when he is four points above the second team of PSV group after 29 rounds.

Ha Do