Man Utd Ex-Coach Erik ten Hag Appointed Leverkusen Manager: Club Confirms

Man Utd’s former manager Erik ten Hag has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, the club confirmed on Monday.

Ten Hag steps in to replace Xabi Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to an exceptional 2023-2024 season, securing their first Bundesliga title and clinching the German Cup. Alonso’s success led to his high-profile move to Real Madrid, announced on Sunday.

While Leverkusen fell short of repeating their dominance this season, they still performed strongly—finishing second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich and securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The move marks a return to German football for Erik Ten Hag, who previously managed Bayern Munich’s reserve team from 2013 to 2015. His return to the Bundesliga is expected to bring stability and a new tactical edge to Leverkusen as they aim to maintain domestic competitiveness and challenge on the European stage.

The 55-year-old Dutch coach enjoyed a mixed but notable tenure at Man Utd. In his two full seasons at Old Trafford, Ten Hag won both the FA Cup and the League Cup. He also steered United to a third-place Premier League finish in the 2022-2023 season, reestablishing their place in the Champions League.

Man Utd Connection Continues as Erik ten Hag Takes Helm at Leverkusen

Despite these achievements, Man Utd struggled for consistency last season, ultimately finishing eighth in the Premier League. The club conducted a managerial review and considered alternative candidates but initially chose to stick with Ten Hag. However, a poor start to the new campaign culminated in his dismissal on 28 October following a 2-1 loss to West Ham United.

Before his time in England, Ten Hag made a significant impact at Ajax, leading the Dutch side to three Eredivisie titles and multiple domestic cup victories between 2018 and 2022. He also guided Ajax to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019, earning widespread acclaim for his tactical ingenuity and development of young talent.

Erik Ten Hag has now signed a two-year contract with Leverkusen, tasked with building on Alonso’s successful foundation. The club’s management sees him as the ideal candidate to keep Leverkusen competitive in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six trophies at Ajax were exceptional,” said Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting managing director.

“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022. And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times,” Rolfes added.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid officially confirmed on Sunday that former Man Utd midfielder Xabi Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti as head coach. The former Madrid and Man Utd-linked midfielder will assume the role on June 1, just in time to lead the team at the FIFA Club World Cup. Alonso’s transition from player to manager has been meteoric, and his return to the Santiago Bernabéu is seen as a long-anticipated reunion.

Erik Ten Hag’s arrival at Leverkusen represents a significant moment in his managerial career and serves as a notable chapter in the evolving legacy of former Man Utd coaches making their mark across European football. The appointment also reflects the growing trend of elite clubs looking to blend experienced leadership with tactical innovation.

All eyes will be on how Erik Ten Hag adapts to Leverkusen’s squad and philosophy, particularly with the added pressure of Champions League expectations. His tactical discipline, focus on youth development, and previous success in European competition position him as a strong asset for the club’s ambitions.

As preparations begin for the new season, Leverkusen supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Ten Hag can replicate or even exceed the achievements of his predecessor. His time at Man Utd, while turbulent, showcased his resilience and potential—a combination Leverkusen hopes will translate into silverware and sustained excellence.

Source- EWN