Too late to change your mind, Erik?
Outgoing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has admitted that it will be difficult to leave Ajax after he was announced as the new Manchester United boss.
Ten Hag will take the reigns at Old Trafford in the summer and has signed a deal until 2025, with the option of extending it for a further year.
The Dutchman has been at the club since 2018 where in that time he has won five trophies and could still add to that with an Eredivisie crown at the end of the season.
However it was Ajax’s Champions League run to the semi finals in 2018 that made people first take note of ten Hag’s talents as a manager.
With the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek and co, the Dutch side were able to upset the odds as they reached the final four before a dramatic last minute defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Ten Hag’s first words as the new Man United boss
Upon being announced at United, ten Hag admitted that it would be difficult to leave behind his side in the Netherlands.
Good luck Erik, you'll need ithttps://t.co/RcPbqFczDA
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 21, 2022
“It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead,” the 50-year-old said.
“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 also addressed the Ajax fans in a statement on the club’s website in which he stressed that he will give his all until the end of the season.
He said: “I’m happy that it has been finalized and that it has been officially announced. That clarity is important. But I only have one interest now and that’s these last five games.
“I want to finish my time here on a positive note, by winning the league. By doing so, we’ll qualify directly for the Champions League. Ajax belongs there.”
Ten Hag will join the club in July and is expected to oversee a large rebuild, with several players set to leave Old Trafford as the Dutchman implements his own style.
Related links:
- Erik ten Hag to become next Man United manager
- Erik ten Hag won’t be able to fix Man United’s biggest problem
- The ‘key point’ behind Erik ten Hag’s plans for Man United
