LONDON, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Manchester United on Thursday ended speculation over their future when the club confirmed the appointment of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their new manager on a three-year-deal with the option for a further 12 months.
The 52-year-old who will replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season, told the Manchester United website that it was "a great honor to be appointed manager of Manchester United."
"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," commented the Dutchman.
Ten Hag said it would be "difficult" to leave Ajax, but promised to "focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United."
Manchester United's Football Director John Murtough commented that "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."
Ten Hag faces a difficult task of renewing and lifting a team that looks likely to miss out of a top-four place this season and who was humiliated 4-0 away to Liverpool on Tuesday night and their big-name players once again failed to perform. ■
