Edwin van der Sar has insisted that Erik ten Hag's work at Ajax is "not done yet" in the wake of the Dutchman being appointed the new manager of Manchester United.
After a lengthy pursuit that has rumbled on since the tail end of last year following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal, United finally have their man on a permanent basis. Ten Hag will head to Old Trafford following the conclusion of this season, where he is still fighting for a third Eredivisie title as Ajax boss.
Van der Sar has addressed the Ajax faithful in a short statement following confirmation of the imminent switch. The ex-United 'keeper said: "Four and a half years is a good amount of time, but we would have liked to have kept Erik at Ajax for longer.
"He is going to make the step to one of the biggest clubs in the world, in a fantastic league. We owe Erik a lot of thanks for what he has achieved with Ajax so far, but we are not done yet.
"At the end of the season, I will look back more extensively on his departure. For now, what matters is the final games of the season in which we all want to bring home the league title."
The man himself echoed those sentiments, as Ten Hag reassured the Ajax fanbase his focus is solely on ending the current campaign in as strong a fashion as possible. I'm happy that it has been finalized and that it has been officially announced," the 52-year-old explained. "That clarity is important.
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"But I only have one interest now and that's these last five games. I want to finish my time here on a positive note, by winning the league. By doing so, we'll qualify directly for the Champions League. Ajax belongs there."
Ten Hag's United contract will run from the start of this season until June 2025, though there will be the option to extend for a further year. Speaking to the United supporters, the new boss 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."
