Erik ten Hag is amongst the leading candidates to take over the role of Man United manager at the end of the season. And this interview shows why Red Devils fans are so eager for his arrival.
The Dutchman was interviewed by the club on Monday as United step up their search for a new manager. However, the club say there is no favourite at this stage.
Since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, the club have looked all over the globe to find the man who they believe can bring them back to their glory days. Ralf Rangnick has steered the ship on an interim basis, but he’s struggled to fend off the fearsome tide despite his efforts.
Fans believe that ten Hag is the man for the job. In February, The Athletic asked supporters who their next boss should be, and a whopping 58% selected the current Ajax boss.
It’s no surprise that the fans want to secure ten Hag’s services. The 52-year-old is renowned for getting his teams to play exciting football.
His dangerous 4-2-3-1 formation has seen his side wreak havoc in the Eredivisie. He has already picked up two Dutch domestic titles, with a third likely at the end of the season.
He’s embedded a never say die philosophy into his players, who give it their all every time they set foot on the pitch. In the 2018-19 Champions League, he guided his underdog side on a miracle journey to the semi-finals. His side defied the odds with stunning wins over Real Madrid and Juventus.
But if United fans weren’t already excited enough, this clip will have them positively salivating.
Man United fans will love this Erik ten Hag interview
In 2020, the esteemed manager celebrated his 50th birthday. To mark the occasion, he participated in a special interview. He sat down with the Ajax media team and took the fans on a journey through his career.
Read: Erik ten Hag addresses reports he is practicing English for Man United job
Ten Hag discussed the highs and the lows that made him the man he is today. Furthermore, he showed how much he cares about not just winning, but doing it in an aesthetically pleasing way for the fans to watch.
He said: “I have a lot of influence on Ajax because ultimately I’m responsible for how they play and for the results.
“These have to be good. Ajax stands for winning. But we should also play with the right style, which is the attractive style. You feel that every day, because these people brought that to the club.”
It is clear that the Netherlands native likes every aspect of managing Ajax. He loves the club, and he adores the fans and people who make the club what it is.
United have not had a manager who effectively combined those factors since Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot created an overwhelming feeling of togetherness during his nearly 27-year long stint at the Theatre of Dreams. And with ten Hag clearly showing similarity to the legendary head coach, fans will hope that he’s the man to take them back to the top.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
