Former Man Utd boss Ten Hag replaces Alonso at Leverkusen

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been appointed as Bayer Leverkusen's new manager, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Monday. 

Ten Hag, who has been out of management since being sacked by United in October, replaces Xabi Alonso, who left to join Real Madrid last week. 

The Dutchman endured a difficult two years at Old Trafford, winning 72 of his 128 matches in charge across all competitions (D20 L36) in his two-year tenure. 

Ten Hag did, however, lead United to the EFL Cup in 2022-23 before clinching the FA Cup a season later with a win over rivals Manchester City in the final. 

But the 55-year-old was replaced by Ruben Amorim last November with the club languishing in 14th in the Premier League table. 

His most successful stint came at Ajax, who he coached for four years, winning three Eredivisie titles and taking the club to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

Under Alonso, Leverkusen secured a domestic double in the 2023-24 season, lifting their first Bundesliga title without losing a game. 

They also secured the DFB-Pokal title and reached the Europa League final, where they were thrashed 3-0 by Atalanta. 

Ten Hag had been linked with a return to Ajax before penning a deal with Leverkusen, and he is excited to get going with this year's Bundesliga runners-up. 

"Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe," Ten Hag told Leverkusen's official website.

"The club offers outstanding conditions. I've been very impressed with the discussions of the management.  

"I've come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years.

"It's an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team."