Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
The current manager of Ajax Football Club of the Netherlands, Mr Erik ten Hag, has been appointed as the next manager of Manchester United Football Club of England.
The announcement is coming nearly two days after United suffered a 4-0 loss against Liverpool FC at Anfield in a local league match, which put their bitter rivals on top of the log with just a few games to the end of the season.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, the Old Trafford outfit disclosed Mr Hag’s appointment is subject to his “work visa requirements,” but he will be in charge of the first team “from the end of this season until June 2025, with the option to extend for a further year.”
Mr Hag described his appointment as the next United Manager as “a great honour,” expressing his excitement for the “challenge ahead.”
According to him, “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.”
He, however, said, “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.”
In his comments, the Football Director of Man United, Mr John Murtough, spoke glowingly of Mr Hag’s achievement at Ajax, expressing confidence such would be replicated at the Reds.
“During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth.
“In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that.
“We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer,” he was quoted as saying in the statement today.
