Erik ten Hag Has Decided His Preferred Assistant At Manchester United
Reuters/Lee Smith
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is set to leave the club after five trophy-laden years in Amsterdam.
Ten Hag, 52, has agreed to become Manchester United’s new manager, and will sign a three-year contract. The deal will have the option for a fourth year.
As per the Telegraph, the move is now “99 per cent” completed, with Ajax due around two million euros in compensation.
United, out of respect for Ajax, have planned an announcement next week following the Dutch Cup final between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.
Ten Hag, although completely focused on ensuring a league and cup double at Ajax, has also picked his preferred assistant for the Old Trafford job.
The Dutchman wants to bring his assistant Mitchel van der Gaag with him. Van der Gaag joined Ten Hag’s backroom staff last summer after his spell with the reserves.
Further, it is believed it would be better if someone with experience of playing or working in England accompanies Ten Hag to Carrington.
Robin van Persie and Steve McClaren’s names have been mentioned in recent reports, but the latter is not thought to be in the running despite having worked with Ten Hag at Twente. Former centre-back Jaap Stam has also revealed his interest in returning to the club in a coaching capacity.