Ten Hag excited by the challenge of United job

ERIK ten Hag is excited by the challenge of bringing success back to stuttering Manchester United when he takes over as manager at Old Trafford at the end of the season, writes James Peach.

The impressive Ajax boss is looking to wrap up a third Eredivisie title before moving to Old Trafford, subject to work visa requirements, on a deal until 2025, which includes the option of a further year.

Ten Hag impressed the United hierarchy with his long-term vision for the club and proved the unanimous choice, with the 52-year-old seen as having the drive and nous to lead them back to the top.

“It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead,” the Dutchman said.

“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.

“It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”

Ten Hag has a huge challenge on his hands given the squad is bloated, unbalanced and incapable of challenging for major trophies.

United’s 4-0 mauling at rivals Liverpool on Tuesday underlined the work required to turn around the 20-time champions, who have failed to launch a sustained title bid since last winning the league in 2013.

Long-admired Paris St Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino was initially considered favourite to succeed Solskjaer, but Ten Hag ended up as the undisputed choice following a rigorous process.

Football director John Murtough said: “During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth.

“In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that.”