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Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has given has finally spoken about the appointment of Dutchman man Erik ten Hag as the next United manager.
Ten Hag becomes the fifth permanent manager to occupy the Old Trafford dugout since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Manchester United have endured a poor run this season and next year’s Champions League qualification is in doubt, sitting six points off the fourth spot with four games remaining.
United are yet to win the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge nine years ago.
Read Also: Official: Manchester United confirm Erik ten Hag new manager
Since Sir Ferguson left Old Trafford; David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all failed to hit the heights of their illustrious predecessor, while interim boss Ralf Rangnick has endured a difficult half-season in charge.
Sir Ferguson was asked for his opinion on Ten Hag’s appointment while attending a race meeting at Punchestown. The legendary Scot said.
“Well, I hope Ten Hag does well because the club needs someone to get in control. I hope he does well, yeah.”
Ferguson is understood to have taken a backseat during the long process to appoint Ten Hag, with Football Director John Murtough taking the lead of the search for the first time.
“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,” Murtough said after hiring Ten Hag.
“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 to achieve that.
“We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer.”
Rangnick will step down from his role as interim manager at the end of the season before taking up a consultancy role. The German tactician recently suggested as many as 10 new signings may need to be made at Old Trafford this summer as Ten Hag prepares for a major rebuild.