Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United backroom staff have been confirmed with Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren joining the Dutchman at United.
The 52-year-old, who has finished his role with Ajax after winning another Eredivisie title, will replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick and become the fifth long-term successor to Sir Alex Ferguson. United have been searching for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s permanent replacement ever since his dismissal in November 2020.
And having given themselves time to complete all of their due diligence by appointing Rangnick for the remainder of the season, 52-year-old Ten Hag won over Old Trafford bosses with his ambitious plans for what promises to be an arduous rebuild.
Ten Hag has signed a three-year deal with the Red Devils, with the option to extend for a further 12 months, should he have the kind of success that football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher will be desperate for him to have.
And now he will have the support of Mitchell van der Gaag and former England boss McClaren - who will return to United after previously working with Ferguson in 1999.
Speaking after the appointment of Ten Hag was confirmed, Murtough 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.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Erik ten Hag the right choice for Man Utd? Let us know in the comments
“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 told the club’s official website: “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.”
