Erik ten Hag confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager

Erik ten Hag has been appointed as Manchester United’s new manager.

The Ajax boss, who took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he was sacked in November, will take over from Manchester United’s interim coach Ralf Rangnick in the summer.

Rangnick is expected to step into a two-year consultancy role at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag said in a statement: “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.”

According to Sky News, Ten Hag’s compensation is £1.7m. It is also reported that Manchester United’s good relationship with former player Edwin van der Sar, who is now Ajax’s chief executive, played a role in the negotiations.

Other candidates for the role reportedly included Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique. 

John Murtough, Football Director, said on the appointment: “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.”