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Ajax have confirmed Erik ten Hag has left the club and the Dutchman will now start work at Manchester United on Monday ahead of the team’s final game against Crystal Palace
Erik ten Hag will begin work as Manchester United boss on Monday after quitting his job as Ajax boss with immediate effect.
Ten Hag agreed to an early start to the job with United, after agreeing to an early release from his contract with Ajax. The 52-year-old said: “I am switching very rapidly, yes. But is it really necessary, because a lot of things need to be dealt with.”
Ajax confirmed Ten Hag’s departure on Sunday via their website. His main concern is that he wants to build a good squad and feels he must be involved in all the talks and negotiations with current players and those United intend to sign.
“I have the energy to carry on after the Dutch season with a new period in Manchester,” said ten Hag. I am looking forward to dealing with things. Of course, I need to charge my batteries at some stage, but I will find time for that somewhere in between.”
Ten Hag has also told close friends he wants to work with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has plundered 24 goals this season. Despite being 37, Ronaldo’s stats cannot be ignored, according to ten Hag, which is why he wants the Portugal icon to stay and see out the final year of his contract.
Ten Hag was announced as United’s next manager on April 21 and was expected to succeed interim boss Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season. It’s unclear if the Dutchman or Rangnick will be in charge for Sunday’s final Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag did not immediately succeed his German predecessor due to Ajax battling for the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup. They failed to win the latter – losing to PSV in the final – but managed to become champions of the Netherlands four days ago.
Ajax’s final game of the season was away to Vitesse on Sunday – ending in a 2-2 draw – meaning their season is now complete. “This season PSV had a really strong squad,” said Ten Hag at full-time. “Ultimately we performed better and there was a difference.
“We didn’t get many more points than last year, so PSV just did better this season. We had strong competition this year. That’s why it gives me a very proud and satisfied feeling that we are champions.”
Ten Hag went on to say: “You experience so much and you take it with you in your suitcase. It definitely challenges your management capabilities and I have learned a lot.”
Ajax have paid tribute to Ten Hag by posting an emotional video on their website, saying “goodbye” to the coach. “Under the leadership of Erik ten Hag Ajax has experienced some fantastic times in the last four years,” the video is captioned.
