Man City boss Pep Guardiola is helping Manchester United after managerial decision

Erik ten Hag has managed Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich II, Utrecht and Ajax. That’s not ordinarily a path that leads to the Manchester United job, but it’s hoped Ten Hag is far from an ordinary manager. United need Ten Hag to be more than that.

It was no surprise to see United officially announce Ten Hag as their newest permanent manager on Thursday afternoon. United needed some positive spin after yet another disastrous week at the club. It was also an appropriate time for Ajax.

Although Ajax had been in contention to win two trophies this season, they suffered a 2-1 defeat against rivals PSV in the Dutch Cup last weekend. Ajax are four points clear in the Eredivisie with five games to play and becoming the Netherlands’ champions will have to be their consolation. It will be the third time Ten Hag has won the Eredivisie title with Ajax during his tenure.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag's first words after being named new Manchester United manager.

After the Dutch Cup final, both clubs agreed it was an appropriate time to announce the appointment. Ten Hag is set to leave Ajax on a high and he’ll need to bring that good feeling with him to Carrington. Ten Hag will have to put 'smiles back on faces'.

That cliche was used during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's interim spell yet it's true once again. United have equalled their longest trophy drought for 40 years this season. The mood around the club is borderline toxic and supporters' patience is now beginning to wear increasingly thin. Ten Hag has the challenge of preventing the ship from sinking further and that won't be straightforward.

Ten Hag needs financial backing - he also needs time - to have a chance of succeeding. United look set to miss out on Champions League football