Despite only taking over the reins two weeks ago, Erik ten Hag is said to have already impressed staff at Manchester United, earning him a new nickname.
Ten Hag left Ajax early to begin his new job at Old Trafford as soon as the Premier League season ended.
It could be a hint at how much work he knows he has ahead of him this summer, after United finished the season with the fewest points in Premier League history.
He’s already started that process, gathering detailed reports on all of his players and pondering his transfer wishlist, which includes Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
According to Goal, he has already earned himself a new nickname after impressing those around the club with the small things he has done.
According to the report, the Dutchman has ‘sent a surge of electricity’ throughout the club, and staff have begun to refer to him as the “New Sheriff.”
There’s no word on whether Ten Hag’s predecessor, Ralf Rangnick, was ever a sheriff at the club, but it’s unlikely.
Following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the German joined the club in December, but things did not go as planned.
Rangnick did not return to United as a consultant after the club failed to finish in the top four, instead becoming the manager of the Austrian national team.
Fans were not pleased with the report about his time at Old Trafford, which revealed that he had earned a nickname, though it was far less flattering, with some behind his back calling him ‘Specs.’
Ten Hag earned his moniker by meeting as many of the club’s backroom staff as possible at Carrington.
According to the report, they were taken aback by his friendliness, as he stopped to introduce himself and shake hands with John Murtough as he was given a tour.
Outside the stadium, he met some fans and shook hands with each member of the media who attended his press conference.
Ten Hag has yet to meet his players, who are away on vacation or on international duty, but he will have plenty of time with them once they return to prepare for the upcoming season.
The captaincy is one issue Ten Hag may be able to resolve quickly, according to reports that the 52-year-old will let the players choose who will lead the team.
David de Gea is set to be the goalkeeper, with Harry Maguire, the current armband wearer, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s player of the season, vying for the position.
