Erik ten Hag has been appointed the latest coach of Manchester United and it’s far from an easy role. The Premier League side finished sixth last season to just about make it into this term’s Europa League and are a shadow of their former selves.
Turning this tanker around is going to be tricky, especially for a man without a great deal of experience in elite football. Ten Hag made his name as the architect of a superb Ajax team that made it to the semi-final of the Champions League but has never had any meaningful experience outside of the Netherlands.
And this is coupled by what’s shaping up to be a tumultuous summer transfer window for United. Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave Old Trafford as he wants to play Champions League football next season and United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has so far been frustrated.
“Frenkie de Jong? I never talk of players who are under contract with other clubs,” Ten Hag said at a press conference on Monday after being asked about De Jong as carried by Fabrizio Romano. “I’m not gonna answer about Frenkie. How many signings? We’re still looking for players in the midfield and in offence.”
Erik ten Hag: "Frenkie de Jong? I never talk of players who are under contract with other clubs. I'm not gonna answer about Frenkie". 🔴 #MUFC
"How many signings? We're still looking for players in the midfield and in offense". pic.twitter.com/INYMe41fSX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022
