Van der Sar’s message to Ten Hag

Thursday 26 May 2022 07:00

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar reached out to send a final good luck message to Erik ten Hag earlier this week, after our incoming boss’s first day in Manchester.

Having watched the Reds’ season-closer at Crystal Palace from the stands on Sunday, Erik travelled north and spent time meeting staff across the club on Monday during a first visit to Old Trafford. 

It’s a ground and a city that his former Ajax colleague van der Sar knows well, from a trophy-filled spell at the club between 2005 and 2011. 

The four-time Premier League winner, 2008 Champions League final hero and now Chief Executive Officer at the Amsterdam club therefore took to social media to bid one final farewell to Ten Hag, as he begins his new job.

 

“Wishing you everything what you achieved at Ajax in the four, five years and more at your new club,” Edwin wrote on Twitter. 

“With the dedication, vision and your abilities as a coach/manager this should be achievable soon at Man Utd! 

“Good luck and once again thanks for everything you did in Amsterdam!”
WHAT TEN HAG HAS SAID ABOUT VAN DER SAR 

During the first part of his exclusive introductory interview with the club on Monday – which you can watch in full here – Erik cited Edwin’s continued support for United despite the latter’s current role at Ajax. 

Our new manager also mentioned that the former goalkeeper was the first person he informed about his intention to switch from Amsterdam to Manchester.

“He was the first one I told that I’d be leaving Ajax and would go to Manchester United,” Ten Hag admitted. 

“I think in his emotion he’s still Manchester United. He’s a fan: he’s the biggest fan, maybe yeah? Especially in Ajax. 

“But he has to lead Ajax in this moment and I’m sure he will always support Manchester United, and he will support me, as long as we are not playing against Ajax.”

Transcript: Part one of Ten Hag's interview

 Article

Read every word of Erik's Q&A and soak up the Dutchman's enthusiasm for an exciting new era at United.

Ten Hag is the latest Red to hail from the Netherlands, following in the footsteps of van der Sar, van Nistelrooy, van Persie and more. He is now hoping to add to that heritage over the years to come.

“Yeah, I have to do my best and I will give everything, every day. 

“Every day I will go to the maximum that I have, so hopefully I can continue that legacy.”

Recommended: