Erik ten Hag set to be announced as head coach at Bayer Leverkusen

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly agreed to take over as the new head coach at German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Ten Hag was sacked as United manager back on October following a long period of perceived under-performance in the Premier League, but the Dutchman's stock has remained high, especially after his successful period in charge at Ajax before taking over at Old Trafford.

Bayer Leverkusen have been searching for a new manager for the past fortnight after head coach Xabi Alonso announced his departure from the club at the end of the season.

A number of high-profile names were considered contenders for the top job at Leverkusen, including former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, but Ten Hag is the man set to take over at the BayArena, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic.

55-year-old Ten Hag suffered a much maligned period in charge at Old Trafford, although his stint in charge has looked better in hindsight, given the tumultuous reign of Ruben Amorim in Manchester.

The Dutchman was in charge for two full seasons at United and lifted both the FA Cup and EFL Cup in that time, also clinching a third placed finish in the 2022/23 season.

Bayer Leverkusen missed out on back-to-back Bundesliga titles this season, with serial champions Bayern Munich returning to winning ways, they also missed out in disappointing fashion in the DFB Pokal, suffering a shock exit to their tier Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-final.

Despite those woes, Leverkusen's second placed finish in the German top tier means will play UEFA Champions League football next term, giving Ten Hag a fantastic opportunity a chance to rebuild his reputation at a club which looks ready for more success in the near future.

Darren Durber

• Bundesliga
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