Manchester United Football Director John Murtough believes the club have landed “one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe” after confirming the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
On Thursday, United confirmed that the 52-year-old Dutchman will become the club’s First Team Manager from this summer, signing a three-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
The Ajax boss is the long term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the fifth man tasked with replicating the extraordinary successes achieved by Sir Alex Ferguson. United decided to appoint Ralf Rangick on an interim basis in the days following Solskjaer’s sacking, allowing Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher to complete a thorough process for the next boss.
It is understood that Ten Hag beat Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino to the top job at Old Trafford, despite the Argentine having a band of admirers behind the scenes.
And in welcoming the new man to the club, Murtough has listed his credentials, which includes his propensity for playing youngsters and his commitment to playing exciting and attractive football.
Speaking after the appointment 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.
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“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.”
Ten Hag will remain with Ajax until the end of the season, before joining his new employers at the start of what promises to be a pivotal summer for Manchester United.
