Erik ten Hag latest: Official start as Man Utd manager, his work this week & transfer plans

We have the latest on the new Manchester United boss as he begins life at Old Trafford.
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Erik ten Hag will officially start as Manchester United manager on Monday, ManchesterWorld understands.

The Dutchman, who finished his tenure at Ajax last weekend with a 2-2 draw against Vitesse, is believed to have ended his contract six weeks early in order to start at Old Trafford as soon as possible, and turned down the opportunity to attend a post-season trip to the Caribbean island of Curacao with Ajax.

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While Ten Hag won’t officially replace Ralf Rangnick until Monday, he’s already begun work this week, described as ‘preparatory meetings’ with club staff.

Ten Hag’s time in charge of Ajax finished last week. Credit: Getty.Ten Hag’s time in charge of Ajax finished last week. Credit: Getty.
Ten Hag’s time in charge of Ajax finished last week. Credit: Getty.

It is also believed the 52-year-old has discussed plans for pre-season and summer recruitment, while the process of confirming his backroom staff is also well advanced.

It’s been widely reported Ten Hag’s assistant from Ajax, Mitchell van der Gaag, will move to Manchester with him, while former United assistant manager Steve McClaren is also likely to return to Old Trafford as part of the new-looking coaching team.

Ten Hag was McClaren’s assistant at FC Twente, and his familiarity with United is said to have been a huge factor in the decision.

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ManchesterWorld has been told the process has been held up as recruitment from outside the UK is subject to Governing Body Endorsements from the FA, and visa checks.

In addition, Ten Hag, who is described as ‘raring to go’, will be in attendance this weekend when United face Crystal Palace, a game they may need to win in order to secure a Europa League spot.

However, the new manager won’t be involved in team selection, with Rangnick still fully in charge of team affairs until Monday.