Erik ten Hag has reached an agreement with Manchester United to become the club's next permanent boss.
Ajax boss Ten Hag has verbally agreed terms on a four-year deal, with an option for an extra year. Although United have reached agreement with the 52-year-old coach, it is understood a formal announcement will be made after Ajax have played the KNVB Cup final on April 17 .
Ten Hag emerged as United’s preferred candidate after interviews were also held with Paris St Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, as well as Spain coach Luis Enrique. United football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher decided on Ten Hag after the first round of interviews and made firm their interest in him with a second approach.
Ten Hag had several demands before he agreed to take on the role, including bringing in his own backroom staff, having the final say on transfers and a greater influence over the youth set-up at United. Once those assurances were met, Ten Hag agreed to take on the role, becoming United’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
It is understood Ten Hag will officially begin work in July 1 and will have just five days in charge of United before embarking on a
pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia with the first-team squad.
As revealed by Mirror Sport, Ten Hag has begun the process of assembly his coaching team, with Jaap Stam, Steve McClaren, Peter Bosz and Robin van Persie all under consideration. United refused to comment on the agreement with Ten Hag and would only say the process of recruiting a new manager is at an “advanced” stage but not yet concluded.
HAVE YOUR SAY! What are Erik ten Hag's biggest priorities at Man Utd? Let us know in the comments
Ten Hag is set to take over from Rangnick with United standing at a crossroads in their recent history. Defeat to Everton in the Premier League last time out served as another massive blow to their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.
But former Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay has told his compatriot that now is the perfect time to take over at Old Trafford. "I would definitely go, if he can bend it to his will," Afellay told Studio Voetbal. "There is no better time to get in," the 35-year-old continued. "It looks like they are not going to qualify for the Champions League."
Ajax's situation is drastically different, despite them and United both dropping out of the Champions League in the round of 16. Ten Hag's team have a four-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie table with five games remaining, and are due to face nearest challengers PSV in the domestic cup final.
