Everything had already filtered through the press. But it’s now official: Erik Ten Hag will be Manchester United manager next year. The current Ajax coach was announced on the Red Devils social networks during the day. The 52-year-old Dutchman has signed until June 2025 with an optional one-year extension year.
“It is a great honor to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am immensely excited about the challenge ahead of me. I know the history of this great club and the passion of its fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success it deserves”did he declare.
One of his missions will be to revive the Mancunian team which is moribund this year. And this despite the arrival of CR7 this year. He will also have to relaunch the academy and get the youngsters to play to achieve his main objective: to bring United back to the top of the bill. “Over the last four years at Ajax, Erik has proven himself to be one of the most exciting and successful managers in Europe. He is renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and his commitment towards young people,” said club manager John Murtough.
With Ajax, he twice won the cup and the Eredivisie. He can therefore leave Les Ajacides with the feeling of accomplishment. “Clearly it will be difficult to leave Ajax after so many incredible years. And I want to reassure our fans: my commitment and focus to complete this season before joining Manchester United is total.”
Without a doubt, his most significant achievement will remain this Champions League campaign in 2018/2019. That year, with youngsters like Ziyech, De Ligt or De Jong, Ajax had reached the semi-final of the competition. The players had eliminated big fish like Real or Juventus. After an epic match, the Dutch were eliminated by Tottenham after an incredible hat-trick from Lucas Moura.