Ten Hag has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford
Ajax chief executive Edwin van Der Sar has suggested that Manchester United’s reported interest in manager Erik ten Hag shows the club are ‘doing something well’.
Ten Hag is thought to be among the leading candidates for the permanent manager’s role at Old Trafford, with the recently-appointed interim boss Ralf Rangnick set to move into a consultancy role at the end of the season.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a successful period with Ajax since he was appointed in 2017, winning four trophies as well as guiding the club to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
His success in the Netherlands has attracted interest from the Red Devils and Ajax chief Van Der Sar – who spent six years as United’s first-choice goalkeeper between 2005 and 2011 – has opened up on Ten Hag’s links to United.
He suggested that interest in the club’s players or staff comes whenever the team are performing well, adding that de Godenzonen will be prepared should the manager decide to move on.
“This means that we are doing something well,” Van der Sar told RTL 7 while speaking about speculation surrounding Ten Hag with a move to United.
“It’s the same with the players. When we perform well, the interest comes.
“If there is interest in our players or coach… we’ve all been blown away in the past. So be it, we have to make sure we’re ready by then, that the lists are filled in.”
Interview: “What about Ten Hag, Edwin? His name is mentioned a lot at Manchester United too."
Edwin Van der Sar: "This means that we are doing something well. It's the same with the players. When we perform, the interest comes." [@RTL7 via @TheEuropeanLad] pic.twitter.com/0sZawfjCvH
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) December 7, 2021
Ten Hag signed a contact extension at the Johan Cruyff Arena until 2023 in April, but he is reportedly keen on the long-term managerial position at United following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Following suggestions that the Red Devils could attempt to secure his services in the summer, the 51-year-old expressed his interest in taking on a new challenge in the near future.
“I think I’m ready for it [to move to a top foreign club],” Ten Hag told de Volkskrant.
“I would be happy to take up that challenge.
“But I’m not chasing it. If it turns out that that step will never come, I will not say that my coaching career has failed. But I think I have sufficient competences to take on that challenge.”
Ajax comfortably progressed into the knockout stages of the Champions League after winning all six of their group stage matches, securing a 4-2 victory over Sporting Lisbon in their final game on Tuesday night.
Related links:
- Ajax boss Erik ten Hag claims he is ‘ready’ for a new ‘challenge’
- Roberto Mancini emerges as surprise contender for Manchester United job
- Kylian Mbappé becomes youngest player to reach 30 UCL goals
