Erik ten Hag lifts lid on Man Utd interview process & 'fantastic challenge'

Erik ten Hag admits the interview process to become Manchester United's new manager was "very precise" but says he can't wait to take on the "fantastic challenge".

Ten Hag had previously remained tight-lipped over his imminent move to Old Trafford, but after securing the Eredivisie title with Ajax on Wednesday evening, the Dutchman finally discussed his next role with Voetbal International.

Among the topics Ten Hag addressed were the 'multiple interviews' he conducted with United before accepting the role, as well as how the storied history of the club and opportunity to build something convinced him to join.

"Despite it [United] being a beautiful club, I would never just start," Ten Hag said.

"I wanted to create good working conditions first, so every detail had to be taken care of. I know United went through a very precise procedure. They'd done scouting, analyses, data, interviews with people who worked with me. Then we held multiple interviews.

"They didn't rush into things and neither did I. It felt like a difficult, but fantastic challenge. At United, there's something to build and something to win. Manchester United is such a big name in the history of football.


Listen now to 90min's Manchester United podcast, The Promised Land, with Scott Saunders & Rob Blanchette. On this week's show they discuss the links to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, Erik ten Hag's recruitment meeting in Amsterdam, Steve McClaren and Man Utd's Youth Cup win.


"It's not for nothing they call Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams. It's a club with allure in international football.

"Everyone knows their history. Of Sir Alex [Ferguson], of course, but further back in time as well. Their great team in the late 50s, that suddenly disappeared after the plane crash. The history is impressive, but I've also researched the present and future and the possibilities.

"Those exist, financially as well. If you then get a good feeling about the people that are there, then all the factors are in play to take this step."

Ten Hag has a tough task on his hands to turn United's fortunes around. The Red Devils could conceivably drop as low as seventh if results go against them between now and the end of the season, and they are already certain to record their lowest ever Premier League points tally.


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Source : 90min