Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been named the new coach for German club Bayer Leverkusen in a two-year contract.

The club announced this in an official statement on Monday, May 26.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said, “With Erik ten Hag, we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch.

“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins, he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022."

“And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times," he noted.

Erik ten Hag will officially start his new role on 1 July this year.In an acceptance speech, he stated that Leverkusen are “one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe."

“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," he said.

Ten Hag is taking over from Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, who is set to replace Real Madrid's long-standing coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso was confirmed as the new boss of Spanish giants Real Madrid on Sunday, May 24.

This contract marks the Dutchman's first managerial role since his dismissal by Manchester United in October last year after a disappointing start to the season.

Despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his two-year stint at Old Trafford, United struggled in the Premier League.

Sitting 14th on the Premier League table, Ten Hag was sacked after United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham, which left the club with just four wins from their opening 14 matches.

Before his appointment as United's head coach, the 55-year-old enjoyed a successful stint with Ajax in 2022.

Under former Liverpool midfielder Alonso, Leverkusen won a league and cup double in 2023-24.

They finished second in the Bundesliga this season, 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.