Erik ten Hag's first words after being named new Manchester United manager

Erik ten Hag says it is a great honour to be named the new manager of Manchester United. The club officially confirmed his appointment on Thursday morning, with the current Ajax boss set to take charge of the club at the end of the season.

Ten Hag, 52, will become only the second Dutchman to manage United, following in the footsteps of compatriot Louis van Gaal. United were eager to have their new man in place before the start of the summer window in order to have a smooth transition between the reigns and to hit the ground running ahead of a pivotal off-season.

Ten Hag insists his immediate focus is now on finishing the season strongly with Ajax as he goes in search of a third Eredivisie title before focus switches to his new role at the end of the current campaign.

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“It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead," he told the club in an official statement. "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. “It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”