Erik ten Hag’s future is the topic Ajax players cannot seem to escape from, with the Dutchman strongly linked to Manchester United.
Former Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen is the latest player to comment on Ten Hag to United links, following Sebastien Haller at the week
end.
Klaassen was quoted by Voetball Primeur, and took a little shot at United in the process, expressing his desire for Ten Hag to stay put.
Klaassen said: “He has been doing well with us for years and Manchester United has been doing badly for years.
He added, in response to suggestions Ten Hag could go: “He can also stay. I hope so.”
Distraction for Ajax
It is not so much that Klaassen said anything particularly revelatory regarding Ten Hag in this brief exchange, the newsworthiness comes in the fact he spoke out on his manager potentially leaving, in the first place.
Ajax’s players can’t get away from his possible impending departure. The Telegraph report Ten Hag is the favourite for the United job currently.
Striker Haller was quoted by FCUpdate.nl: “We all understand if he did it, but I think it’s up to the coach to choose what he wants. We’re just his players.
“I’m just grateful for what he has done for me and I hope he will make the best decision for himself.”
Ajax are currently in a title race with PSV Eindhoven, sitting five points clear at present, and also have the KNVB Cup Final to look forward to in a couple of weeks.
Ten Hag has not helped speculation either. In an interview with German channel Sport1 last week he did not dismiss the possibility of taking the job.
The manager said: “If at some point I should decide to take the next step, I hope that people here will understand.”
While Ten Hag is the favourite for the United job, Mauricio Pochettino remains a strong alternative contender. Former star Wayne Rooney last night told Sky Sports that the Argentine would be his preference for the role.
