Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out a move to Manchester United, and has expressed his hope that Ajax will understand if he decides to take the “next step” in his management career.
Erik ten Hag and United have held official negotiations about the Dutchman becoming the Premier League club’s next manager, which has been described as “quite good.”
Following that interview, United has been accumulating information on Ten Hag informally, including a potential pay amount if he is hired.
During an interview with Sport 1 in Germany, the 52-year-old insisted he is focused on managing Ajax, who are top of the Eredivisie and will face PSV in the Dutch cup final later this month, but allowed that “everything can change from one day to the next.”
“Right now, my emphasis is solely on Ajax, but you never know in football,” Ten Hag added. “I’m not going to rule anything out just now.” I’m now working as a performer at Ajax. We still have eight finals left, including the cup final versus Eindhoven, for which I will need all of my energy. Anything else would be a waste of time.
“I understand that in football, everything can change from one day to the next. I hope that folks here would understand if I decide to take the next step at some point.”
When asked if he spoke to United, Ten Hag said, “Everyone in the industry knows each other.” It’s usual to have discussions with representatives from rival clubs.
“Manchester United is a fantastic club with fantastic fans, but I can only reiterate that my sole attention is on Ajax.” We’re already making preparations for the next season. So far, I’ve met with Ajax following each season. This will be the case again this time.
“Ajax and Erik ten Hag are currently quite happy with each other,” says the source.
Ajax granted permission for talks between United and Ten Hag to take place, and sources close to the coach and the Dutch club claim that talks have taken place about the financial aspects of his potential move to Old Trafford, as well as how to handle a possible announcement in terms of timing and presentation, given Ajax’s tight title race.
United, on the other hand, insists that this is premature and that no formal investigation has been launched in this regard. They’ve made it obvious that they don’t have a favored candidate for next season’s head coach yet, and that they’re simply going through the motions to find the perfect man.
All candidates will be interviewed to determine remuneration numbers and ease of appointment. When the club is still going through their shortlist, they believe it is unfair to depict Ten Hag as the front-runner.
Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique are also in the running, although Julen Lopetegui appears to have ruled himself out by claiming, “I am where I want to be.” Will you stay on Sevilla’s bench next season? “I am certain.”
Ten Hag would be the easiest to secure, according to sources, because Ajax anticipates him to depart and has been easy to work with.
Meanwhile, Pochettino will leave Paris Saint-Germain on his own terms, not those of another club.
According to reports, firing the Argentine and his team would cost between £15 million and £20 million, money that could be saved if he was offered and accepted another job.
Pochettino and Ten Hag have long been seen as the preferred candidates for the post, a line of reporting that United has not refuted.
Enrique’s appeal is hampered by his commitment to Spain, which he will captain at the World Cup in Qatar.
