New Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is set to arrive at Old Trafford with a lofty reputation having reportedly been an authoritarian with former club Ajax.
The Dutchman was confirmed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s permanent successor earlier this month, with current interim boss Ralf Rangnick set to take on a consultancy role once his stint comes to an end.
It of course remains to be seen whether ten Hag will be a success at Old Trafford considering the huge rebuild ahead of him this summer, but it appears that he will attempt to get the United dressing room in order.
According to ESPN, the current crop of players have already been getting insight into the Dutchman’s work from former Red Devils Daley Blind. As per the reports, the Ajax star has detailed ten Hag’s strict rules, as well as his ruthless streak when it comes to tactical decisions.
One example that has been highlighted was the call to leave top scorer Sebastien Haller out of the side to take on PSV in the Dutch Cup final. The Amsterdam giants took the lead against their Eindhoven counterparts, only to see second-half goals deny them and ten Hag of the chance of claiming silverware.
They could however secure the Eredivisie title before he makes the switch to Old Trafford. Ajax currently sit four points clear at the top of the Dutch standings with four games left to play.
Will Erik ten Hag be a success at Manchester United? Have your say down in the comments below.
Following confirmation of his appointment, ten Hag expressed his excitement at taking the reins but indicated that his full focus would be on his current employers between now and the end of the campaign.
Speaking with United’s official website, he said: “It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.
“It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”
The Dutchman appears to have taken those measures one step further. Reports from ESPN have suggested that he has requested that officials from Old Trafford do not distract him ahead of Ajax clashes.
Meanwhile, there has been considerable overhaul in the future of Rangnick at Old Trafford ahead of ten Hag’s arrival. He has been announced as the manager of the Austrian national side. The former RB Leipzig manager has confirmed that he will continue to oversee his original role as a consultant with the Red Devils despite the announcement.
