Ralf Rangnick has backed the appointment of Dutchman Erik ten Hag as Manchester United's new permanent manager.
Interim United boss Rangnick said Ajax coach ten Hag can turn the club around by bringing his own philosophy, staff and new players to Old Trafford. Rangnick has neither met nor spoken to Ten Hag, but endorsed the 52-year-old's appointment as United's fifth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from the dugout.
Rangnick said: “We don't know each other in person, we haven't met. From what I've seen at Bayern Munich, when he was the under-23 coach, and now Ajax, I like his football.
“With a full pre-season, having a chance to build and mould his own staff, a new team, which is obvious, I'm pretty positive. With a new team and a full pre-season, I'm pretty sure we will see improvement. I knew that Erik was one of the candidates the board spoke to and I told them, from people I knew, that Erik would be a good choice. I believe he will be a very good choice and the other things [Rangnick's own role next season], we haven't had time to speak about.”
On players leaving this summer, Rangnick said: “It's obvious there are quite a few players whose contracts are expiring. There might be a few others who are on loan, who might still want to be on loan or leave the club, so it will be a significant change and rebuild necessary. How many? I haven't spoken to Erik as yet, but if he asks me he will have his own ideas, It's not just three or four players, that's obvious, bearing in mind whose contracts are expiring.”
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Ten Hag, who will take charge of the Red Devils at the end of this campaign, said upon his announcement: "It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. 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."
Football Director John Murtough, who has led the search, added: "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. We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer." Rangnick has presided over first-team duties since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November. Ten Hag has spent five years in Amsterdam, having preciously spent time at Twente, Utrecht and Bayern Munich, and is on course to win his third Eredivisie title with Ajax.
