Manchester United football chief John Murtough has explained the appointment of new manager Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag, 52, was paraded by United on Monday after agreeing a three-year contract with the option of an additional year.

The Dutchman guided Ajax to their first Eredivisie title in five years in 2019 and the club retained the championship in 2021 and 2022. Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 - the first time the club had progressed to the last four since 1997.

Murtough told supporters on the fans' forum Ten Hag set out a “long-term vision to build a successful, exciting team" in his job interview and was “most closely aligned with the identity and aims of Manchester United. He showed passion, energy and enthusiasm for the challenge."

Murtough, who graduated from John Moores University in Liverpool with an undergraduate degree in sports science and a master's in sports psychology, also trumpeted the appointment of director of data science, Dominic Jordan, and reiterated planning is underway for redevelopment of the facilities at United's Carrington training complex, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He added: “It's all about making sure we are creating the right environment and culture in which players can perform to their maximum potential."