Eric Bailly and Phil Jones have outlined their intention to leave Manchester United to teammates amid the club's plans to sign a new centre-back.
23.04.2022 - 12:19 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to leave Ajax and join Manchester United.
The 52-year-old Dutchman was announced as United's new manager on Thursday, ending months of speculation as to who would be taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis. He's signed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, with United holding the option to extend his contract by a further year.
His arrival at United spells the end of his near-five-year affiliation with the Amsterdam club. He explained during his announcement as United manager that it was a difficult decision to leave Ajax and now, speaking to Trouw, Ten Hag has elaborated on his decision to leave the Johan Cruyff Arena.
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"This is already a bonus year," he explained. "Things were already happening last summer, but I wanted to be successful with Ajax one more time and spend the winter in the Champions League.
"Because when I was appointed I had said that Ajax had to become ‘Europe proof’. That worked. But, we’re not done yet."
Ajax are hoping Ten Hag will end his reign with another Eredivisie title. They currently sit top of the table, four points clear of PSV Eindhoven with five games remaining.
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Eric Bailly and Phil Jones have outlined their intention to leave Manchester United to teammates amid the club's plans to sign a new centre-back.
Here are your Manchester United morning headlines on Thursday, May 5.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes it is "stupid" to question whether Cristiano Ronaldo will fit into Erik ten Hag's system.
Diogo Dalot thinks Erik ten Hag will bring 'very attractive football' to Manchester United.
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is backing Raphael Varane to be the "leader" of United's defence under Erik ten Hag next season.
Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand has urged Erik ten Hag to install a culture that everyone at Manchester United buys into ahead of him taking charge this summer.
Manchester United are in the midst of a major rebuild in a bid to change their fortunes after years of mismanagement behind the scenes and disappointment on the pitch. This season marks five since the club last won a trophy and nearly a decade since they last won the league and something needs to change.
Mauricio Pochettino refused to be drawn to comment on Erik ten Hag's appointment at Manchester United, a job he was in the running for.
A former Liverpool star has sent a light-hearted message to Erik ten Hag following his appointment as Manchester United manager.
Manchester United fans must be 'patient' with new boss Erik ten Hag as he oversees a rebuild of the squad, cautions Wayne Rooney. United confirmed Ajax boss Ten Hag will take the reins at Old Trafford at the end of the season on a four-year deal that will earn him close to £30million. Ten Hag will arrive with a glittering reputation following his impressive rebuild in Amsterdam with Ajax but Rooney is well aware how far United are away at this moment from competing for major honours.
Erik ten Hag has revealed that his 'one interest' immediately following his appointment by Manchester United is to ensure that Ajax finishes the season strongly and clinch the Eredivisie title.
Mitchell van der Gaag is set to join Manchester United as Erik ten Hag's assistant manager.
Previous comments made from Erik ten Hag prove Manchester United might be getting their own Pep Guardiola, after his appointment at United was confirmed.
Kleberson has named three Manchester United players he thinks will shine under Erik ten Hag - but that impending appointment comes with a warning. Ajax expect the Dutch coach to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford in time for next season.
Erik ten Hag is on the brink of becoming Manchester United's next permanent manager.
Steve McClaren has compared Erik ten Hag to Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag could face complications over any move to bring Robin van Persie back to Old Trafford as assistant manager - according to reports. Ajax expect Ten Hag to become the next United manager even though key figures at the club insist no deal has been formalised.