Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Erik Ten Hag as their new manager from the end of the current season until June 2025 with the option of a further year.
Many outlets reported that United had reached an agreement with the Ajax boss but the announcement looked set to be delayed until the end of the season. However, Ajax were becoming frustrated with all the questions about Ten Hag’s future and so agreed with United that an immediate announcement was more beneficial to all parties.
The 52-year-old’s release clause was not activated by United. Instead, United and Ajax reached an agreement that was separate to the clause that was originally in his contract with the Dutch champions.
Ten Hag looks set to bring his assistant manager from Ajax with him after United agreed a deal to bring Mitchell van der Gaag to Old Trafford next season. Both look set to sign three-year contracts with the option for an additional year depending on results and performances.
John Murtough who is the current football director at Manchester United said: “During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth.
“We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer.”
Ten Hag’s time at Ajax has been nothing short of astonishing from him being appointed back in December 2017, winning three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch cups and making the Champions League semi-finals back in the 2018/19 season which saw his team knockout the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus.
When asked about being appointed as United’s next manager, Ten Hag said: “It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.
“It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”
Ten Hag’s coaching staff is set to shuffle around before the start of next season with the likes of Chris Armas set to leave at the end of the season alongside Mike Phelan who is also likely to leave. Ten Hag wants to bring in former United assistant manager Steve McClaren with United reluctant to let him come in.
Ralf Rangnick was reportedly very involved in Ten Hag’s appointment and it was the German who recommended him to the United board back when the hiring process started.
The summer looks set to be a busy one with many players leaving or wanting to leave and the need for the squad to be rebuilt. Ten Hag will demand the players that he wants and he will want players that are hungry and committed to play for Manchester United.
