Erik ten Hag has managed Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich II, Utrecht and Ajax. That’s not ordinarily a path that leads to the Manchester United job, but it’s hoped Ten Hag is far from an ordinary manager. United need Ten Hag to be more than that.
It was no surprise to see United officially announce Ten Hag as their newest permanent manager on Thursday afternoon. United needed some positive spin after yet another disastrous week at the club. It was also an appropriate time for Ajax.
Although Ajax had been in contention to win two trophies this season, they suffered a 2-1 defeat against rivals PSV in the Dutch Cup last weekend. Ajax are four points clear in the Eredivisie with five games to play and becoming the Netherlands’ champions will have to be their consolation. It will be the third time Ten Hag has won the Eredivisie title with Ajax during his tenure.
