Man Utd manager target ‘nominates’ assistant to join him at OT

Ten Hag has led the Eredivisie giants to two league wins and two Dutch Cups since taking over in December 2017.

The former FC Utrecht manager is said to be one of the frontrunners for the permanent post at Manchester United, with Mauricio Pochettino of PSG and Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when the Norwegian was ousted earlier in the season, will leave the club at the conclusion of the season to become a consultant, paving the way for a new manager.

And now, according to De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij (via Sport Witness), Ten Hag is set to join Manchester United this summer.

“Does Ten Hag intend to stay?” No, I don’t believe so. “I assumed that the Ajax management would want to maintain him on his contract because Marc Overmars had already left,” Verweij explained.

“However, he stated during the press conference that he was unaware of the decision to [appoint] Klaas-Jan Huntelaar [to the technical staff].” Then you may conclude that Ten Hag isn’t particularly influential in next season’s policy, because you have a voice in who you work with.”

It’s unlikely that Ten Hag’s entire backroom team will follow him to Old Trafford, but it’s been reported that Mitchell van der Gaag has already been “selected” to join him if Man Utd comes knocking.

“I believe Van der Sar will uphold his end of the bargain.” If a team like Manchester United comes calling, I believe as a Dutch coach you want to pursue that route,” Verweij continued.

“I don’t believe so [Ten Hag’s entire backroom staff is leaving].” I heard that [assistant] Mitchell van der Gaag has been nominated.”

When asked about his links to Manchester United yesterday, Ten Hag informed reporters, “I am now working with Ajax.” That’s all I’m thinking about right now.

“However, as a manager, I am already planning for the future of our team.” I’m also mostly concerned with the moment. After our defeat to Benfica, we have reached the end of the road in the Champions League. But there are still two perfectly open roadways.”