Erik Ten Hag: New Man Utd boss warned club is a 'graveyard' for managers

After weeks of speculation, Manchester United finally confirmed on Thursday morning that current Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag will become their new manager in the summer.

In his five years at Ajax, Ten Hag has enjoyed great success. The 52-year-old has five trophies to his credit during his reign and he will be hopeful of signing off on his time with the Dutch giants by lifting a third Eredivisie title at the end of the season.

Ten Hag’s reputation grew tremendously when he came within a whisker of guiding Ajax to the 2018/19 Champions League final, only to be cruelly denied at the death by Tottenham in the semi-final.

For most United fans right now, a Champions League semi-final appearance must seem a million miles away, especially after their 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool on Tuesday night put a major dent in their hopes of qualifying for next season’s competition.

There can be no disputing that the Red Devils must undergo a rebuilding phase if they are to see a return to the trophy-laden glory days the club enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

There is clearly confidence around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ that Ten Hag can be the man to mastermind that revival, but former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has his doubts over whether the Dutchman can succeed.

Writing in his column for the Telegraph on Thursday, Carragher declared: “Erik ten Hag faces four major problems upon taking over at Manchester United. Their names are Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte.

“No matter how good Ten Hag is or proves to be at Old Trafford, he must take on and beat the best coaches in the world. That is tough enough without having to start afresh with a squad overhaul.

“For all the