‘The Premier League is not ready’ – Man Utd fans react as Ten Hag appointed new manager

Robin Bairner

Updated: 21 Apr 2022 12:09 BST
7 min read

Erik ten Hag, Ajax, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United confirmed that Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag will become their new manager from the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

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Ten Hag’s appointment has been a poorly kept secret, with the Dutchman given a contract that runs until 2025 with the option of an addition year.

He has seen off competition from Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino to take the hotseat at Old Trafford from interim appointment Ralf Rangnick, who will move into an upstairs role.

After a decade of disappointment at Man Utd, the support appears cautiously optimistic that Ten Hag is the man to lead them back to the top.

What do Man Utd fans think of Ten Hag?

Reaction to Ten Hag’s appointment on social media has broadly been positive, particularly from Red Devils fans itching to see their team have a change of direction. They are hopeful that their new manager’s winning mentality will feed through to a playing staff that has under performed this season.

Not happy with a 13-0 win. The Premier league is not ready. pic.twitter.com/eO6mmHjy1d
— Saddam (@Saddam_KE) April 21, 2022

Absolutely delighted with Ten Hag coming in as manager, he is the perfect blend of positional play, attacking football & pressing. I can’t wait to look forward to watching United again. It’s been too long. It will take time, but have faith. #MUFC 🔴🔴🔴
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 21, 2022

Erik Ten Hag as an Ajax Manager.

210 games
156 wins
580 goals scored
5 trophies
Reached UCL Semifinal.

If he can’t make Man United win a trophy i don’t know who will. pic.twitter.com/UX5p980BfT
— ' (@TheShowtimeReds) April 21, 2022

Erik ten Hag is here to restore Manchester United to its glory with loads of titles like never seen before in the world. Welcome ETH! ❤🦅 #MUFC
— Uncle Wilson™ (@iam_wilsons) April 21, 2022

Not all are so upbeat, though.

Moyes “new era begins”
Van gaal “new are begins”
Mourinho “new era begins”
Ole Gunner “new era begins”
Ragnick. “New era begins”
Ten Hag. “New era begins” pic.twitter.com/OE757QCf9e
— 𝕂𝕦𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕒𝕟 (@kusssman) April 21, 2022

Ten Hag after a week with these players pic.twitter.com/g0ayg0o9ug
— Adil (@Adil_Ibrahim_) April 21, 2022

The hype behind this 😭 didn’t want Poch for being a serial bottler yet appoint the man who pulled off the ultimate bottle job vs Poch’s Spurs.

Ten Hag and a few signings won’t change anything. You’ll be in the same situation this time next year trust me. Cultural reset needed.
— FPL Velvet (Connor) (@FplVelvet) April 21, 2022

Meanwhile, many commented on the changes that will be made to the squad, with Donny van de Beek expected to be given a starring role and Harry Maguire’s future questionable because of the new manager’s methods.

How I hope Erik ten Hag walks into the United dressing room pic.twitter.com/74mMUTraN0
— Phil (@Philm2tic) April 21, 2022

Donny van de Beek after seeing that Erik ten Hag is the new Man Utd manager pic.twitter.com/2J96iIQ8TF
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) April 21, 2022

Donny van de Beek when he reunites with Ten Hag at Man Utdpic.twitter.com/XLzswYeWMK
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) April 21, 2022

pic.twitter.com/N0D25GJlIw
— Rico 🇾🇪 (@Brunosprop_) April 21, 2022

Maguire getting home after his first training session with Ten Hag😭 pic.twitter.com/fNfVZ80Tr1
— YM𓃵 (@MrJason020) April 21, 2022

And, of course, there is the bizarrely inescapable statistic that Man Utd and Manchester City will both be managed by bald managers for the first time.