Erik Tan Hag named new Man Utd head coach

Man Utd have appointed Erik Tan Hag as their new head coach. The dutchman has signed a three year deal with an option for another year.Ten Hagg will be the fifth permanent coach since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, following David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Solskjaer. Former United players Ryan Giggs and Micheal Carrik have also held caretaker positions during that time. 

"It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead," Ten Hag 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."

According to sources United Football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher did all the hard work and shortlisted the candidate with new CEO Richard Arnold only engaging in the ‘final stages’. 

Murtough and Fletcher as per the sources went with Ten Hag because of all the options considered he was the one who was “most closely aligned with club’s identity and strategy”. They were especially impressed with Ten Hag’s record at Ajax, his brand of football, and his ability to nurture young players. During the signing Ten Hag set out a “a compelling long- term vision for a successful, exciting team. 

Solskjaer was sacked in November last year and replaced by interim coach Ralf Rangnick, who is set to take up the consultancy role. 

"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," Murtough said of the appointment. "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."