What Ajax players told Erik ten Hag after Manchester United appointment

Erik ten Hag says Ajax players are excited for him as he prepares to take over as Manchester United manager — and the Dutchman even took them gaming to compensate. United confirmed the appointment of Ten Hag on Thursday morning and he'll begin work in the summer.

Before then, the 52-year-old and his Ajax team are chasing a third Eredivisie title in four seasons — although dreams of a double were ended by PSV in the Dutch Cup final seven days ago. Moving forward Ten Hag will be tasked with helping United to their first silverware since the 2016/2017 campaign.

After watching United slip to a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal — which all-but ended their top-four hopes — on Saturday Ten Hag guided Ajax to a 3-1 victory which puts them four points clear at the Eredivisie summit.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp makes honest Ralf Rangnick admission after Erik ten Hag appointment

There are still four games to go to hold off a charge from second-placed PSV as Ten Hag strives to end his time at the Amsterdam helm on a high. But how did the Ajax players react to his United appointment?

Speaking after their NEC Nijmegen win, Ten Hag said: "The players are really excited for me, that's beautiful. I have worked at Ajax for a long time and created great relationships."

On his unconventional pre-match motivating tactic, Ten Hag said: "The atmosphere in your squad is the key, that's why I did something different with the squad this week. We went gaming, all together. Gaming, real gaming, the E-Sport way!"