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.
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 Carabao Cup in 2022-2023 before clinching the FA Cup a season later with a win over rival Manchester City in the final.
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, which 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 2023-2024 season, lifting its first Bundesliga title without losing a game.
It also secured the DFB-Pokal title and reached the Europa League final, where it was beaten 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 runner-up.
"Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe," Ten Hag said. "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."
