Erik ten Hag is on the verge of meeting his new players at Manchester United.
The 52-year-old will take over at Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign on a deal until 2025. United have an option to extend the contract by a further year should they wish to.
Before he can officially move to England, Ten Hag will be hoping to secure the Eredivisie crown for Ajax. The Amsterdam club moved a step closer to that milestone with a routine 3-0 victory over PEC Zwolle.
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Ahead of his move to the Premier League, the Mirror went to the Johan Cruyff Arena to see Ten Hag's current team in action. Here is what they learned.
1) Flexibility and fluidity
The most notable aspect to Ten Hag's game which they spotted was Ajax's fluidity on the pitch. Players 'rarely stuck rigidly to a position'.
Ajax's centre-backs Daley Blind and Jurrien Timber would roam freely during the 90 minutes with the former United defender almost setting Dusan Tadic up for his second of the game. Ryan Gravenberch, Mohammed Kudus and Kenneth Taylor dominated the midfield and were happy to interchange when needed.
Sebastian Haller is the target man for Ajax but he was also free to move out onto the flanks to allow Davy Klaasen to provide a threat through the middle of the pitch.
2) Pep Guardiola football
The Mirror noted that Ten Hag's team showed glimpses of Manchester City's Pep Guardiola inspired tactic. Ajax's work in the full-back positions was noted as a key similarity with the Blues.
Nico Tagliafico and Youri Regeer were both key parts of Ajax's attacks even if their moves forwards were not 'remarkably regular'.
3) Faith in younger players
One thing that will excite United fans is Ten Hag's commitment to developing youth players. Several injuries to his team may have forced his hand but the Dutchman did not shy away from giving younger members of his squad the chance to flourish.
Regeer made his Ajax debut at full-back looking assured while Taylor in the midfield is only 19 and provided the assist for Tadic's opener. It is unlikely Ten Hag will deviate from this strategy when he moves to Manchester.
4) Tadic the star
Tadic caught the eye for the Mirror during the victory on Saturday. The former Southampton man has thrived under Ten Hag scoring 15 goals and grabbing 20 assists in that time.
His system has got the best out of the 33-year-old who also holds the captain's armband in the Netherlands. Bruno Fernandes may be a player that can turn into Ten Hag's Tadic next season.
5) Problem-solving expertise
As mentioned earlier, Ajax have been struggling with an injury crisis in recent weeks. However, despite uncertainty regarding the future of the club, Ten Hag has led the Amsterdam club to eight straight Eredivisie victories.
This bodes well for United who have had their fair share of struggles over the course of this season. Ten Hag has certainly shown that he can balance an unsettled ship.
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