Ex-Man Utd manager Ten Hag named Leverkusen boss

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has signed a two-year contract. He will succeed Xabi Alonso as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

This is Ten Hag's first managerial role since leaving United in October. Alonso was recently appointed as the new boss of Real Madrid.

During his time at Manchester United, Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. However, he was dismissed when United was 14th in the Premier League.

Before joining United in 2022, Ten Hag had success with Ajax. He led Ajax to three league titles and two domestic cup wins from 2018 to 2022.

Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Ten Hag's experience and success. He noted that Ten Hag demonstrated his coaching quality at Manchester United under challenging circumstances.

Under Alonso, Leverkusen won a league and cup double in the 2023-24 season. They finished second in the Bundesliga, trailing champions Bayern Munich by 13 points.

Ten Hag will officially start his new role on July 1. He stated that Leverkusen is "one of the best clubs in Germany and among the top clubs in Europe."

He expressed excitement about continuing the club's ambition and developing an ambitious team during this period of change.