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Man Utd take final step towards Erik ten Hag as No 2 is confirmed – but former star names two serious worries
Manchester United are on the brink of announcing Erik ten Hag as their new manager, having taken the last big, final step towards his the appointment.
The Dutch coach has been chosen as the man to lead the Red Devils in their new era. A tricky season has seen United struggle to get anywhere near the standards expected – and the side currently faces a huge challenge to even qualify for the Champions League.
In fact, so bad have United been that one Dutch pundit rang out the possibility of Ten Hag being scared off the job.
However, Ten Hag will arrive at Old Trafford with a huge challenge on his hands. Sweeping changes are expected with a number of players expected to leave.
In the meantime, a report claims United have taken the final steps towards an announcement by agreeing a compensation package with Ajax.
Approaching the last year of his deal, the appointment of Ten Hag has not his United too hard in the pocket.
Indeed, the Daily Mirror claims United will pay Ajax £1.6m – buying out the last year of his contract. However, United will actually forward the Amsterdammers £2.5m in total with a further £900,000 required to cover the arrival of his No 2, Mitchell van der Gaag.
It is understood that, despite rumours, former England boss Steve McClaren, will not be part of his set-up.
Van Persie likely to join Man Utd set-up
However, there are likely to be further additions to Ten Hag’s staff. As such, former United striker Robin van Persie has been sounded out for a role.
Ten Hag will reportedly sign an initial three-year deal at Old Trafford. That will make him the best paid Dutch coach in Premier League history. His salary is understood to be worth £160,000 a week – or £8.32m per year. Bonuses, such as trophy successes, are likely to be included.
United and Ten Hag also have the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months until 2026 if the arrangement is successful.
The Daily Mirror concludes that an official announcement is expected after Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
Under the arrangement, interim boss Ralf Rangnick will move into a two-year advisory role. The exact details of the position are still to be ironed out. The German, however, will reportedly work just five days a month with the club.
Former star expresses Erik ten Hag concerns
Meanwhile, former midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba reckons Manchester United are making a mistake appointing Ten Hag.
The 52-year-old has guided Ajax to five trophies in his four years at the helm. And he could add a sixth if they win the Eredivisie title again.
Furthermore, he has a great record of promoting and developing youth – a factor United prides itself on.
Having beaten Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique to the post, Djemba-Djemba has explained why he would have opted for someone other than Ten Hag.
He told Sky Sports: “They need to have a good manager. A manager who knows English football, a a manager who knows English players. That is very important.
“I can’t mention any managers because I’m not on the board. I don’t know what the board want to do. For me though, they need to have an English manager or a British manager.”
Djemba-Djemba had a two-year spell at United between 2005 and 2007, making 20 appearances.