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Erik ten Hag may be a “perfect match” for Manchester United, according to former Ajax defender Joel Veltman.
Ten Hag will leave his role as Ajax head coach to take over from interim United manager Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season.
The Dutchman faces a significant rebuilding job, with United only sixth in the Premier League and set to miss out on Champions League football after falling short of expectations again this season, and having not won a trophy in five years.
However, Veltman – who moved from Ajax to Brighton and Hove Albion in 2020 – is optimistic for the Red Devils, having played under Ten Hag in the Eredivisie and believing his appointment could be “the most important thing” the club has done.
“I think it’s a good choice only because he’s tactically really good, and I think that’s the most important thing that they need right now,” Veltman said to Sky Sports.
“They have the major players, every player showed already they are amazing and can perform well in this league at the highest level, so they just need a gaffer who is like, ‘Guys, you have to do this, this and this.’ He needs time of course, but I think he’s probably the perfect match.
“Hopefully he will make a team of them. Like OK if you go there, I will go here. Like a harmonica they call it in Holland so it’s like not loose ends any more, so hopefully he will do that next season.”
Veltman is set to face United on Saturday as Brighton host the Manchester club in the Premier League, and did add a word of warning that they should not expect an immediate rise under his former boss.
“He came from Ajax, next season to United, so he did it step by step, and he is still learning,” said the 30-year-old.
“You are still learning every game, but he is still learning as well I think. Hopefully he will get the time, and he can get to show the players, directors, everybody and the fans that he is the guy and of course he needs results.
“As a gaffer you need results and hopefully they will come to him, but I think it will be fine actually.”
