Erik ten Hag makes stern request to Man Utd chiefs to ‘leave him alone’

Erik ten Hag has got an early taste of the circus that is Manchester United – and has reportedly requested club bosses to leave him alone.

The Ajax boss was finally confirmed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's long-term replacement following weeks of intense speculation, agreeing a three-year contract at Old Trafford. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick will move into a consultancy role with the club, despite being named Austria's new head coach on a deal until 2024.

The incoming United boss will arrive in the summer and bring to an end a successful four-and-half year spell with the Dutch giants. However, Ajax remain in the hunt for the Eredivisie title and ten Hag has outlined his current commitment during negotiations with his future employers.

Ajax are four points clear at the summit with four matches remaining, and ESPN report ten Hag has told United bosses not to contact him within 48 hours of each fixture. The request was said to have been made during negotiations held over the March international break

If Ajax go on to seal the league title, it would be third of ten Hag's reign at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The incoming Red Devils boss has also sealed two Dutch Cups during his time at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, although they did suffer defeat in this season's final to rivals PSV.

Rangnick was forced to face questions over his own future following United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Thursday night. Cristiano Ronaldo salvaged a point for the hosts after another limp display, and the interim boss was confirmed as Austria's new head coach the following day.

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He told the Austrian FA: "It's an honour for me to take on the role of team boss. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of contesting the European Championships in Germany with a young team hungry for success."

When pressed on his new Red Devils role, he said: "I'm very much looking forward to it. We haven't spoken, Erik and myself, we've spoken with the board about the contract and the profile of the job, the content of the consultancy role."

United are facing another significant rebuild this summer with a top-four spot now looking highly unlikely. A host of first-team stars are set to depart at the end of their contracts, and ten Hag will reportedly be handed a budget in excess of £100m to rejuvenate the squad.

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