Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Former Ajax defender Joel Veltman warns Manchester United about key to Erik ten Hag success

Brighton and former Ajax defender Joel Veltman believes Erik ten Hag is the 'perfect match' for Manchester United, but he warns the Dutchman must be given time to turn things around at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag has been appointed as the next manager of United and will take charge of the club once the domestic season is finished with current club Ajax.

Brighton favourite Veltman knows all about the incoming United boss, having enjoyed two-and-a-half years under his guidance at the Amsterdam club, where he was part of the side that won the double in 2019 and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

READ MORE: Manchester United already have the ideal midfielder for Erik ten Hag's style of play

The Dutch defender will be hoping to further dampen the mood at United when they travel to face Brighton this weekend, but he believes there could be a bright future under the guidance of his former Ajax manager.

"I think it's a good choice only because he's tactically really good, and I think that's the most important thing that they need right now," Veltman told Sky Sports.

"They have the major players, every player showed already they are amazing and can perform well in this league at the highest level, so they just need a gaffer who is like, 'Guys, you have to do this, this and this.' He needs time of course, but I think he's probably the perfect match."

Ten Hag faces the mammoth task of overhauling the squad during his first summer at the club, and Veltman has warned that patience will be the key to his success.

He added: "He came from Ajax, next season to United, so he did it step by step, and he is still learning.

"You are still learning every game but he is still learning as well I think. Hopefully he will get the time, and he can get to show the players, directors, everybody and the fans that he is the guy and of course he needs results.

"As a gaffer you need results and hopefully they will come to him but I think it will be fine actually."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.