Former Man Utd Manager Erik Ten Hag named Bayer Leverkusen boss

Erik ten Hag has signed a two-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen. He will succeed Xabi Alonso as head coach. This is Ten Hag's first managerial role since leaving Manchester United in October.

Alonso was appointed head coach of Real Madrid on Sunday. During his time at 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, he had success with Ajax from 2018 to 2022.

Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, praised Ten Hag's experience and success. He noted that Ten Hag dominated Dutch football with three league titles and two domestic cups at Ajax. Rolfes also highlighted Ten Hag's achievements at Manchester United under challenging conditions.

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

Ten Hag will officially start his new role on July 1. He stated that Leverkusen is "one of the best clubs in Germany." He expressed excitement about continuing their recent ambition and developing an ambitious team during this period of change.