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Erik ten Hag will shoulder greater pressure at Manchester United than at Ajax with trophies expected of the Dutchman if he takes the job, former Red Devils defender Jaap Stam has warned.
Ten Hag has emerged as the likely frontrunner to become the next full-time boss at Old Trafford, succeeding interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
While he is no stranger to success with Ajax in the Eredivisie, Stam feels he will face bigger struggles with expectation at the Premier League outfit.
“The pressure at United is much greater,” Stam stated. “The club management can be patient, but that does not mean you get time from the outside world.
“The title and the Champions League are expected. That is no different under a new coach.”
If Ten Hag does take the Old Trafford job, he will be faced with the prospect of another major squad overhaul following United’s failures this year.
The futures of several star men, including Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire, are likely to be the topic of intense speculation.
Stam, however, says any new coach will face a tough juggling act in deciding who stays and who leaves the Theatre of Dreams.
“Something has to change but you cannot say, ‘these 15 must go and these 10 remain’,” he added.
“There are many large contracts. But some changes are crucial for a breath of fresh air and success.
“It becomes difficult if they do not fit into your system. There is a world of difference between the Netherlands and England.”
With United looking to break a barren silverware run next term stretching back to 2017, Stam added that Ten Hag must impose himself upon the club to deliver results.
“In England there are three high-level matches every week, with good players at every club, and sometimes you have to change the way you play,” he stated.
“If you achieve results, trust grows. However, clubs often ask for £40million more when United knocks.
“But whoever you do it with, the style of play and what you expect from players in it must be made very clear.”
