MLS champions Atlanta United hire former Ajax, Inter Milan manager Frank de Boer as head coach

Former Ajax and Inter Milan manager Frank de Boer has been hired as head coach of Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Atlanta United, the team announced on Sunday.

The Dutchman replaces Tata Martino, who announced in October he would be leaving Atlanta United after winning the club's first title.

File image of Frank De Boer. Reuters/Tolga Akmen

Former Dutch international and Ajax and Barcelona defender De Boer, 48, worked in the Premier League as manager of Crystal Palace but lasted only four league games.

However, it was his record of developing young players at Ajax that impressed the MLS club.

"Frank de Boer has a distinguished background, both as manager and player, and we're ecstatic to welcome him to our club," Atlanta United president Darren Eales said in a statement.

"When we began our search, we were determined to find someone who fits all of our criteria. In addition to meeting our club's core values, Frank's philosophical views on how to play unequivocally align with ours.

"He also has a proven track record of developing youth players, with many of them going on to star for top European teams. Finally, his multilingual capabilities, including Spanish and English, ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of our club."

One of his country's finest defenders, De Boer featured in two World Cups and three European Championships for the Netherlands.

His managerial career has been spotty. He enjoyed great success with Ajax, where he won the Eredivisie four times in five-and-a-half years.

De Boer's brief stints at Inter Milan and Crystal Palace both ended with him being fired.

Atlanta United, only in their second year of existence, won the MLS Cup by defeating Portland 2-0 this month.