Manchester United confirm Erik ten Hag as new manager

The Dutchman will become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent successor in the summer.

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

The current Ajax boss has signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford until June 2025. The deal includes an option to extend for a further year. He will officially assume the role at the end of the season.

United will pay the €2 million release clause in Ten Hag’s Ajax contract and they’ve reportedly allowed the 52-year-old a final say on transfers together with the club.

“It is a great honor to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead,” Ten Hag told the club’s website.

“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.”

🇳🇱 Made in the Netherlands. Ready for Manchester.

🔴 Erik ten Hag's next step is United.#MUFC || #WelcomeErik pic.twitter.com/SwsCwFja10

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2022

Why did Manchester United choose Ten Hag?

The other reported managerial candidates on United’s initial five-man shortlist were PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel, Sevilla’s Julen Lopetegui, and Spain’s Luis Enrique.

Enrique, however, refused to leave Spain until after this winter’s World Cup. United interviewed Lopetegui and Pochettino, while the links with Tuchel never materialized into anything serious.

For the last few weeks, Ten Hag has been the hot favorite. The Dutchman impressed the club board with his long-term vision and motivation during the interview process. He also proved his English was up to the task.

“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,” said United’s Director of football John Murtough.

“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’s appointment is subject to him being granted the appropriate work visa requirements.

Current interim boss Ralf Rangnick is expected to stay in charge of the first team until the season ends. He is then due to move into a consultancy role at Old Trafford.