Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is to leave his role in Amsterdam to become Manchester United’s new boss in the summer, and United fans are excited at the prospect of a top attacking coach leading the much-needed rebuild at the club.
United plumped for Ten Hag over the more experienced Mauricio Pochettino, and the 52-year-old Dutchman will depart Ajax after five years in charge, during which time he has won two Eredivisie titles and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Ten Hag has been renowned for his exciting attacking style which has seen Ajax score 85 goals in 29 league games this season, and his ability to raise the level of the players he is working with.
Manchester United have been in free fall for the last few seasons, as despite heavy investment, the playing squad is ageing and underperforming, and poor results meant that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November, and the likes of Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford have been heavily criticised for their performances.
Ten Hag’s appointment is seen as a long term measure to fix the rot that has set in at the club, whilst bringing fresh ideas and trying to get the best out of some of United’s flailing stars.
We’ve listed an XI of players he got the best out of in his spells at Ajax, Go Ahead Eagles and FC Utrecht, and this should provide plenty of encouragement that he is the right man to take United back to the top.
GK: Andre Onana
The Cameroon goalkeeper was always highly rated following his breakthrough into the Ajax first team in 2016, but since Ten Hag’s appointment in 2017 he has blossomed into one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.
Onana’s ability on the ball is outstanding, making him the perfect keeper for Ajax’s system, and despite missing 13 months of action, the 26-year-old still remains at a high level.
The goalkeeper is joining Inter Milan on a free transfer in the summer, ending his 12-year association with the club, and he has Ten Hag to thank for his development.