Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that a number of players have already been in touch via WhatsApp as he starts work at Old Trafford early.
The Dutchman cancelled the final six weeks of his contract with Ajax and was set to travel to the UK on Monday to get a head start on the work he needs to do. Interim manager Ralf Rangnick is to remain in charge of all first-team coaching affairs for the time being and will be in the dugout for United's final Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Ahead of Ten Hag’s imminent arrival at Carrington, he has confirmed that a number of players have sent him messages to welcome him to the club. He told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf : "I did receive some WhatsApp messages from them [the players] already, saying welcome to the club."
It remains to be seen what the Dutchman’s specific remit will be over the next few weeks but he has already given a glimpse of his most pressing matters. The 52-year-old hoping to lead the club to much-improved performances compared to their hugely underwhelming campaign first under the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Rangnick.
"We have agreed that I will be employed by Manchester United from 16 May,” he continued. “In the preparation for the season there are still a few things to be done.
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"Among other things, regarding the filling of the staff and the composition of the selection. I will make my mark and that must be done extremely carefully.
"We have to talk carefully about where we all want to go and how we are going to achieve that. There were possibilities to work at clubs where it is easier, because there is a better foundation.
“But I chose United because there's something to be gained there. A lot of things need to be addressed and that's a challenge. The club and I are on the same page as far as that's concerned.
“Also about the way I want to do it. In what way? I don't want to say anything about that. I will discuss that in England."
Ten Hag moves to United having enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Ajax in his home country. Having been at the helm for four-and-a-half years, he has led the Amsterdam giants to three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups, as well as the Johan Cruyff Shield.
Meanwhile, his future employers United have once again endured a trophyless season with their last piece of silverware being the Europa League title won under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho back in the 2016/17 season.
