Latest from Netherlands on Ten Hag to Man United – Worry over lack of ‘revolution’, Bout confusion

Manchester United are all set to appoint Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

The Dutchman will arrive after spending five seasons at Ajax, where he won the double [domestic title and cup competition] on two occasions and is on course to win the Eredivisie this campaign.

According to De Telegraaf, the Dutchman will be joined by his current assistant manager at Ajax, Mitchell van der Gaag, at Manchester United.

It’s stated the 52-year-old has ‘arranged the contract’ with the English club for Van der Gaag. He was ‘already a favourite’ to arrive at Old Trafford and there was also a possibility of Steve McClaren joining Ten Hag at the new club.

Ten Hag worked as McClaren’s assistant, when the latter was in charge at FC Twente. The incoming Manchester United manager has had talks with the Englishman, but McClaren has ‘not had any contact’ with the Premier League side to date.

Therefore, he would not currently be lined up to join Ten Hag’s backroom staff. This would also mean the Dutch coach may have to work with some of those who are currently there in Manchester.

De Telegraaf then go on to state the Red Devils want to ‘make a major change’ under Ten Hag but warn there is ‘no guarantee for a total revolution’.

To be clear, the newspaper states: ‘Ten Hag has had talks with McClaren, but the Englishman himself has not had any contact with the management of Manchester United to date. It is therefore expected that he will no longer appear in the picture. That would mean that Ten Hag would have to work with the staff members who now assist Ralf Rangnick and previously assisted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.’

They further state: ‘Many eyes will be on Ten Hag, who has never worked in England before and made an effort to bring along a coach with a United background. This is also the case with Robin van Persie. Manchester United would still like to make an addition to the staff and will continue to talk with Ten Hag.’

Meanwhile, Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that their chief scout, Jim Lawlor and head of global scouting, Marcel Bout, have left the club.

According to Algemeen Dagblad, the Ajax boss ‘personally has nothing to do with the departure’ of Bout from the Premier League side.

AD appear surprised by the Bout decision, and say Ten Hag could have used him to ‘get to know’ the club.