United legends react to Ten Hag appointment
Former Manchester United players and coaches have been reacting to the news of Erik Ten Hag’s appointment as our next manager.
Ten Hag, currently in charge of AFC Ajax, will become our new boss upon the completion of the current 2021/22 campaign.
During his time in Amsterdam, the 52-year-old has won two Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups, and he famously guided his young team to the Champions League semi-finals during the 2018/2019 season.
Club statement: Ten Hag appointed as manager
ArticleRead the official press release for quotes from Erik ten Hag and John Murtough.
Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand tweeted excitedly: "Time to fasten the belts and enjoy the ride! #WelcomeErik".
As we expected.. Ten Hag is announced! Welcome to Manchester United 👏
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 21, 2022
Time to fasten the belts and enjoy the ride! #WelcomeErik https://t.co/DXw7drGuS5 https://t.co/OpgyoyEm3j
Another legend, Denis Irwin, acknowledged Ten Hag has achieved huge success in the Netherlands and in Europe.
"The style of football that he’s played at Ajax over the last four and a half years is great to watch," he began.
"He’s an exciting appointment and all the fans will be right behind it."
According to Opta, Ten Hag’s 79 per cent win rate in the Dutch league is the best of any manager with 100+ games for a single team in the competition's history.
Rene Meulensteen, who was an assistant coach under Sir Alex Ferguson, also said he would welcome the former Bayern Munich II boss at Old Trafford.
Speaking before the announcement was made, Meulensteen was impressed with what he has seen from Ten Hag’s Ajax side.
"In terms of the philosophy," he explained, "the way he wants to play, the work that he's done at Ajax, I can see it being an appointment that could work for Manchester United."
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A fellow Dutchman, Jaap Stam, who played for United from 1998 to 2001, also pointed to Ten Hag’s impressive record at Ajax.
"They have a lot of possession, they win their games, that’s why they win their league", Stam said.
"In the Champions League, they’re doing well, that’s a very good thing for Ten Hag too."
Edwin van de Sar has worked with Ten Hag in his role as the chief executive of AFC Ajax.
Reacting to the news, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper began by saying: "He [Ten Hag] is going to make the step to one of the biggest clubs in the world, in a fantastic league."
First image of ten Hag with a United shirt
ArticleErik's appointment is official and the Dutchman looks great with our iconic jersey.
Meanwhile, former Reds captain Gary Neville claimed that Ten Hag was the "overwhelming choice of the fans".
As for Ten Hag himself, in the official statement to confirm his appointment, the Dutchman 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."