Erik ten Hag is yet to even step foot in his new office at Manchester United but is already impressing the club's hierarchy with his work ethic.
The Dutch coach was confirmed as United's next boss at the end of April but kept his focus on Ajax until their season had concluded, as he eventually led them to the Eridivisie title. Ten Hag has made little mention of United in his press dealings over that time, but it was straight to business once Ajax's triumph had been sealed.
His side were confirmed as champions last Wednesday after a 5-0 thumping of Heerenveen, and Ten Hag held a recruitment meeting regarding United in Amsterdam the following day. He has also opted against taking a holiday as he bids to get off on the right foot with his new employers while also being aware of the major task ahead.
According to Sky Sports, his energy and enthusiasm to get started in his new role has been looked upon fondly by United chiefs. Whilst he has technically not yet started in his post as United manager, Ten Hag has already been playing a key part in leading and implementing his vision for the club moving forward.
However, he has been mindful of causing any distractions at Old Trafford ahead of the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday. United face Crystal Palace in their last game of what has been another difficult campaign with their prospects of European football next season still in the balance.
They only need to better West Ham's result away at Brighton to seal a Europa League place. Meanwhile, defeat could see United handed a spot in the less attractive Europa Conference League.
Ten Hag has continued to work in the background ahead of officially starting his new role, but flew to London on Wednesday evening along with assistant Mitchell van der Gaag, and both could even attend Sunday's fixture. The pair were involved in meetings with United chiefs at the club's London office in Mayfair. It is thought former United No.2 Steve McClaren will also be joining Ten Hag's backroom staff and he is reported to have been involved in last Thursday's recruitment meeting.
Who should Ten Hag prioritise signing in his summer rebuild? Let us know in the comments below.
Ten Hag has not had any input into the matchday planning for the clash with Palace, with Ralf Rangnick set to take charge of the final match of his interim spell in the hot-seat. Rangnick is set to move into a two-year consultancy role at the end of the season but will also be combining his duties with managing Austria's national team.
It is expected Ten Hag will oversee a significant rebuild at United this summer with various players heading for the exit door whilst a number of targets are already thought to have been identified. Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Antony have been regularly linked with following their coach to Manchester, while defender Lisandro Martinez has also emerged as a target.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is on United's radar, as is Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, although a move for Leeds' Kalvin Phillips could prove tricky due to his loyalty to the Yorkshire club. Of those leaving, Paul Pogba is the most-notable star set to depart, with Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata also among those who are out of contract in a matter of weeks.
