Krishnan Sreekumar
Incoming new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and assistant Mitchell van der Gaag arrive in England from Holland
According to the Daily Mail, incoming new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has arrived in London ahead of taking charge of the club. He was accompanied by Mitchell van der Gaag, who is set to be appointed as his assistant in the dugout.
ten Hag and van der Gaag were previously associated with Ajax Amsterdam, with the duo helping the Dutch giants secure their third consecutive Eredivisie title this term. It was ten Hag’s third title in five years in Amsterdam.
The summer will see him begin a new challenge with United, who are about to end their campaign next weekend after enduring a season of ups and downs. They have failed to qualify for the Champions League next season, although European football is guaranteed.
The Manchester side have also not lifted any silverware this campaign, which sees them extend their trophy drought to five years. The club last won a title in 2017 when they won the UEFA Europa League trophy, beating Ajax in the final.
Could attend Crystal Palace clash
Evidently, there is a lot of work to be done at Old Trafford ahead of the new season, and the new coaches took a private jet and arrived in London yesterday to start their tasks. Until now, the duo were working remotely from Holland.
Having now arrived in England, the pair are expected to hold a meeting with club officials in the coming day to take things forward. Furthermore, they could also be in attendance for the Red Devils’ final fixture of the season, when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The tie against the Eagles is crucial to the club’s chances of playing Europa League football next term, with a win guaranteeing this possibility. Patrick Viera’s men have punched above their weight this season and played some brilliant football on the pitch, so it will not be an easy task.
However, an away loss combined with a West Ham United victory against Brighton could see United slip down to seventh place in the Premier League table, which would see them qualify for the Europa Conference League.
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If ten Hag and his assistant do manage to make it to the game in London, then they will be able to analyse the team up close and decide on their next steps. The Dutch pair are expected to lead a massive squad rebuild during the summer transfer window.
Their review of the team’s performance against Palace could determine their thoughts on who needs to be kept and who should be shown the door. Until then, interim manager Ralf Rangnick will take the call on his playing squad, with the German looking to sign off as head coach with a win on Sunday.
