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Manchester United legends react to the appointment of Ajax coach Erik ten Hag

Gary Neville, Jaap Stam and Rio Ferdinand have all given their thoughts about the newly-appointed manager.

Gary Neville believes Mauricio Pochettino missed out on the chance of becoming Manchester United manager due to his failure in this season's Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain crashed out of Europe's biggest cup competition in the last-16 to Real Madrid and Neville said it had an impact, alongside not winning Ligue 1, in 2020/21.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has won five trophies in four seasons at Ajax, including two league titles and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.

The 52-year-old has signed a deal which will see him in charge until the summer of 2025, with an option of an additional year.

Neville told Sky Sports: "I think Pochettino has been the outstanding choice for a number of years.
"But losing in the Champions League this season and not winning the French league last season has cost Mauricio.
"The mood music, what would be the current moment, is absolutely key. Erik ten Hag is the man of the moment, the overwhelming choice I think of the fans as well, and the club has determined he is the right man to take the club forward."
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has told United fans to 'enjoy the ride' under Ten Hag and highlighted his work under Pep Guardiola.
The former United defender wrote on Twitter: "As we expected. Ten Hag is announced! Welcome to Manchester United. Time to fasten the belts and enjoy the ride!"

Speaking on FIVE's YouTube channel previously, Ferdinand said: "He has worked with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and has the experience of being around big players. I think a huge part of what he has to get right at Manchester United is going to be getting it right with players.

"We've seen many managers with more experience and who've won more than Ten Hag, and with bigger reputations, that have come in and been chewed up by this football club."
Jaap Stam is more concerned about whether his fellow Dutchman will be given time at the club.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, United have had five managers, including Jose Mourinho and interim coach Ralf Rangnick.
The former defender told Sky Sports: "Hopefully they (United fans) can expect a lot. But there's a big difference between the Dutch league and the Premier League. Ajax are the top team in Holland and can spend a lot of money bringing in players of certain ability.
"To do the same in the Premier League you need to spend money and bring in players to fit into his philosophy. The quality of teams against you is much higher, and it will be difficult to be as dominant in the Premier League as Ajax was in Holland.
"You are going to need time. Do you get time? That's always the issue for the coach. People inside the club will say they back you because it is a new project, but as a coach you have to compete for trophies."

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