Erik ten Hag reveals first contact with Manchester United players on WhatsApp

Erik ten Hag has already been in contact with some Manchester United players as he prepares to turn his focus to reviving the club's fortunes.

Ten Hag will replace Ralf Rangnick as the club's manager once the season ends this weekend but the 52-year-old took charge of his final Ajax game on Sunday and is now working on plans for United.

The Dutchman is not expected to travel to Manchester this week, but he has rejected the opportunity to go on Ajax's post-season trip to the Caribbean island of Curacao and is instead focusing on his new club.

READ MORE: United training ground scuffle proves two players still care

Ten Hag won't meet his new players this week but he has revealed that he's already had contact with at least some of the squad, who have reached out to him to welcome him to Old Trafford.

"I did receive some WhatsApp messages from them [the players] already, saying welcome to the club," Ten Hag told De Telegraaf.

Ten Hag has effectively ended his Ajax contract early so he can turn his attention to events at Old Trafford.

He held a meeting with assistant Marcel van der Gaag, Steve McClaren, who is set to join his backroom staff at Old Trafford, and United's football director John Murtough in Amsterdam last Thursday.

He's now confirmed that his start date at United is today (Monday) and that he is starting work immediately on his plans for next season, with Rangnick taking charge of the game against Crystal Palace this weekend.

"We have agreed that I will be employed by Manchester United from 16 May,” he said. “In the preparation for the season there are still a few things to be done.

"Among other things, regarding the filling of the staff and the composition of the selection. I will make my mark and that