Erik ten Hag’s former assistant at Manchester United, Mitchell van der Gaag, has been appointed head coach of Swiss club FC Zurich.
Van der Gaag left United 10 months ago in search of new opportunities. He had joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving from Ajax together with Ten Hag.
During his time at Old Trafford, Van der Gaag helped the Red Devils to win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
FC Zurich have now confirmed that the Dutchman will take charge of the team, succeeding Ricardo Moniz, who stepped down after a disappointing season.
An FC Zurich statement read, “FC Zurich is pleased to announce that 53-year-old Dutchman Mitchell van der Gaag will succeed Ricardo Moniz as head coach of the first team.”
“The long-time assistant to Erik ten Hag at Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester United has signed a two-year contract with the city club until 2027.”
The statement concluded, “FC Zurich warmly welcomes Mitchell van der Gaag and wishes him luck and success during his time at the city club.”
✍🏼 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐚𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐟𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐂 𝐙𝐮̈𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡
Der FCZ freut sich mitzuteilen, dass der 53-jährige Niederländer Mitchell van der Gaag die Nachfolge von Ricardo Moniz als Cheftrainer der ersten Mannschaft antreten… pic.twitter.com/F7VhbaKcDI
— FC Zürich (@fc_zuerich) May 31, 2025
FC Zurich president Ancillo Canepa said about the appointment, “Mitchell was our absolute dream candidate!”
“We are therefore very happy that we have been able to sign such an experienced and competent head coach who can continue on our chosen path.”
Van der Gaag remarked, “The goal is clear, we want to finish in the top six and play for the European places.”
“FCZ became Swiss champions a few years ago, so anything is possible.”
It’s understood Van der Gaag will be presented to the public at a press conference on Monday, June 16. He will then commence work with his players.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
