OFFICIAL: Manchester United has appointed Erik ten Hag as manager until June 2025, with the option to extend for another year.
Manchester United has announced the appointment of Erik ten Hag as Men's First Team Manager, with the option to extend for another year, from the end of this season until June 2025, subject to work visa restrictions.
"During his four years at Ajax, Erik has proven himself to be one of Europe's most exciting and successful coaches, recognized for his team's attractive, aggressive football and commitment to youngsters," stated John Murtough, Football Director.
"We were very impressed with Erik's long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to compete at, as well as his ambition and desire to achieve that, in our conversations leading up to this appointment."
We wish Erik the best of luck as he concentrates on bringing Ajax's season to a victorious conclusion, and we hope to welcome him to Manchester United this summer."
"It is a great pleasure to be chosen manager of Manchester United, and I am enormously delighted about the challenge ahead," Erik ten Hag stated.
I am well-versed in the history of this great club as well as the passion of its supporters, and I am motivated to build a team capable of delivering the results they deserve.
"Leaving Ajax after these amazing years will be difficult, but I can guarantee our fans that I will give everything I have to bring this season to a triumphant conclusion before moving to Manchester United."
Since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, Ten Hag will depart Ajax at the end of the season to become United's fifth permanent manager.
At Old Trafford, the 52-year-old will be joined by his No 2 Mitchell van der Gaag.
The selection of the Dutchman has been predicted for some time, ever since Sportsmail disclosed a month ago that he had been interviewed for the post, beating out Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain.
United issued a statement on Thursday morning confirming the news.
'It is a great pleasure to be chosen manager of Manchester United, and I am enormously delighted by the challenge that lies ahead,' said Ten Hag.
'I am familiar with the history of this wonderful club as well as the enthusiasm of its supporters,' said the player.
'Leaving Ajax after these fantastic years will be difficult, but I can tell our supporters of my total devotion and focus on bringing this season to a triumphant conclusion before I transfer to Manchester United.'
'During his four years at Ajax, Erik has proven himself to be one of Europe's most exciting and successful coaches, recognized for his team's attractive, aggressive football and commitment to youngsters,' said football director John Murtough.
'We were highly impressed with Erik's long-term vision for bringing Manchester United to the level we want to compete at, as well as his ambition and desire to do so, in our conversations leading up to this appointment.'
'We wish Erik the best of luck as he concentrates on his studies.'
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking in November, Ralf Rangnick has acted as interim manager, although United have struggled to make any progress on the field.
Ten Hag now has a massive rebuilding project on his hands, after shocking United technical director Darren Fletcher and football director John Murtough with his candid appraisal of the club's issues during his interview.
After spending £1 billion on scouting and recruitment since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, Ten Hag was scathing of United's scouting and recruitment policy.
The new manager, who led Ajax to two league and cup doubles, will be faced with ending United's five-year trophy drought following another disastrous season.
With the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Edinson Cavani all out of contract this summer, he'll have to make quick decisions on who to stay and who to sell.
Cristiano Ronaldo's contract continues through 2023, with an option for another year, so a major choice will have to be taken.
The announcement also puts an end to the escalating speculation surrounding Ajax, which has gripped the Dutch club in recent weeks.
Ten Hag may have lost the Dutch Cup final 2-1 to PSV Eindhoven over the weekend, but he still has a chance to end his career on a high note by winning the Eredivisie.
With seven games remaining, Ajax currently leads PSV by four points.
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