Manchester United appoint new boss with former Motherwell star to be assistant manager

Former Motherwell star Mitchell van der Gaag has been appointed assistant manager at Manchester United as part of new boss Erik ten Hag's backroom team.

The Dutchmen will take charge of the English Premier League side at the end of the season after being appointed on a three-year-deal, subject to work visa requirement. There is also an option in the deal to extend it by a further year.

They will replace Ralf Rangnick, who has been in the role on an interim basis after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by the Old Trafford club in November.

Van der Gaag, who speaks several languages fluently, has been ten Hag's assistant at Ajax since 2017 and will be a key part in turning Manchester United's fortunes around, following after several disappointments after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

Joining Motherwell in 1995 following time with PSV, van der Gaag made over 40 appearances in claret and amber, scoring a career-best seven goals in his second full season to help the Fir Park avoid Premier Division relegation.

Utrecht signed him in 1997 and spells at Martimo and Al-Nassr followed.

In 2014 van der Gaag applied for the Motherwell manager's job, but Fir Park chiefs surprisingly opted for Ian Baraclough.

Announcing ten Hag's appointment this morning, Man United's football director, John Murtough, said: “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