Watford boss Roy Hodgson sees no reason why Erik ten Hag cannot follow in the footsteps of three legendary fellow Dutchmen by becoming a "wonder manager" for Manchester United.
Ten Hag was unveiled as United's next permanent boss on Thursday morning and will take over at the end of the season, when he will leave Ajax. The 52-year-old has earned a formidable reputation since during his five seasons with the Amsterdam giants, winning four major honours and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
In managing Ajax, Ten Hag has followed in the footsteps of many of coaching icons including Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal, whose careers in the dugout blossomed during their time with the club. Hodgson believes this sets up the incoming United boss brilliantly well to be a hit at Old Trafford.
"Dutch football and Premier League football... of course there's a difference between those two," the former England and Liverpool manager told reporters on Thursday. "But, you know, you can't deny the success that Ajax have had with him and lots of other coaches before him.
"They've had a succession of legendary coaches going back to Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff, Louis van Gaal. You're talking about a list of people, really, all of whom became recognised as some of the best coaches ever to grace our game.
"So, there's no reason to believe Erik ten Hag - who they've (United have) obviously given due diligence in terms of their appointment - isn't just as good as those three I've just named. And if he gets into that category of manager then they've got a wonder manager."
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Despite his optimistic verdict on Ten Hag's credentials, Hodgson also confessed he does not know him nearly as well as he knows United interim manager Ralf Rangnick. "Ralf, when he was appointed, I was asked a question," the 74-year-old said. "I do know Ralf and have had contact with him, so I can say a few words about him.
"But it would very foolish for me to say anything about Erik ten hag because quite frankly, like any football supporter, [I] know he's done a wonderful job at Ajax and has great success not only in the league but in Europe. So, that I know like anyone else but that's as far as my knowledge stretches I'm afraid."
Ten Hag has agree a three-year deal with United but in the meantime he will hope to scoop another Eredivisie title. Ajax have a four-point lead at the top of the table with five games remaining.
