Erik ten Hag will leave Ajax to become Manchester United manager next season, the English giants confirmed last week.
The 52-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract, faces a huge task to revive the Red Devils’ fortunes after a fifth consecutive trophyless season. The Dutchman becomes the fifth permanent manager at Old Trafford since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 sent the 20-time English champions into decline.
John Murtough, Football Director, 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.
“In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at and his drive and determination to achieve that.
“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 is on course to win his third league title with Ajax and took the four-time European champions to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 for the first time in 22 years.
“It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead,” said Ten Hag.
“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.”
The Dutchman is already being consulted on a number of issues which he’ll have to deal with during his first months in charge at Old Trafford, with the subject of transfers being a high priority on his checklist.
An essential part of his rebuilding job will be speaking to those already at the club in the weeks ahead as he looks to gauge who is committed to the project under him and establish which individuals will play a predominant role next season.
Rangnick said after the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last week that 10 new players could arrive in the summer window, but sources have told ESPN that remains highly unlikely.
Ten Hag’s summer budget set at between 100 million and 150m pounds will be bolstered by any outgoings. The club is willing to listen to offers for Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Anthony Martial, Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata are set to leave on free transfers.