Erik ten Hag speaks on decision to join Man United

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has said he took the decision to join the Premier League side from Ajax after he entered talks for the move.

ten Hag was appointed following the soon-to-expire interim tenure of Ralf Rangnick who took over from sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Speaking to Voetbal International on when he decided to leave Ajax, ten Hag said: “That was not so long ago. Actually only after the talks with Man Utd, which only started in the last international break, at the end of March.

“Those conversations were so good that I got the feeling: I want to take on that challenge. Then it started to come to life in my head and I made the decision that I would leave Ajax.”

On emotions following his final home match with Ajax, he said: “At some point, that feeling [sadness] does come into play, indeed.

“It is also difficult because I have worked with so many fantastic people here, especially the players. But there is also a time to go.”

When asked if everybody at Ajax is proud of his work, the 52-year-old said, “I hope so, I definitely feel it and I am very proud of what we did together.

“Ajax is Europe proof again and Ajax plays for titles. There is great foundations to build further upon.”

“This gives an incredible feeling of satisfaction. We have put in so much work together. The team has worked hard and stayed together despite a lot of setbacks.”