Ten Hag Wins ‘First Battle’ As Man Utd Accept His Request To Bring In Englishman

Ajax Amsterdam coach Erik ten Hag celebrates after the match.

REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Erik ten Hag’s appointment as Man Utd manager has been announced after a lengthy process.

United’s football director John Murtough was impressed with Ten Hag’s ‘long-term vision’ for the Red Devils during the club’s conversations, which also involved the Dutchman demanding an environment and structure that allows him to have a big say in footballing decisions.

The 52-year-old will arrive at Old Trafford after the conclusion of Ajax’s season, but it seems he has already managed to influence the club’s plans over his backroom staff.

According to the Telegraph, United had initially pushed back on Ten Hag’s request to bring in Steve McClaren, the former’s senior at Twente during the 2008-09 season.

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The Premier League giants accepted his demand of appointing Ajax No 2 Mitchell van der Gaag, but asked their preferred managerial pick to look at the existing staff to complete the rest of his backroom team before making any major decisions.

It is now understood that Ten Hag has won his ‘battle’ with United, as they have decided to conclude a deal for McClaren in the coming weeks. The Englishman was Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant during the historic treble campaign.

Meanwhile, Chris Armas, brought in by interim boss Ralf Rangnick in December, will leave when the German steps down.