Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Manchester United standards questioned as Ajax star takes aim amid Ten Hag pursuit

Erik ten Hag, Davy Klaassen, Ajax, February 2021.

Davy Klaassen has taken aim at Manchester United over their pursuit of Erik ten Hag, as they have ‘been doing badly’ for years, in contrast to Ajax.

Manchester United were a force to be reckoned with, both in England and in Europe, under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils won 38 trophies under his tenure, including 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues.

Since the Scottish manager stepped away from management, they have not quite been the same team. Ferguson’s final year in charge, 2012/13, was the last time Manchester United won the Premier League.

There have been seven managers in charge at Old Trafford since then, and few have had the desired effect. United have twice finished second, under Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but more ambition and consistency is expected.

Indeed, United are on the lookout for a new boss for next season, when Ralf Rangnick takes up another role at the club. One of the main names linked with the job is Ajax manager Ten Hag.

The Dutch manager is in his fifth season as Ajax boss, and has won the title on three occasions. There could be another, since his side are sitting top of the Eredivisie.

Clearly, the Amsterdam outfit have high standards. Ajax man Klaassen has subsequently taken aim at United for their pursuit of Ten Hag, questioning their own standards over the past few seasons.

“He [Ten Hag] has been doing well with us for years and Manchester United has been doing badly for years,” he told VoetbalPrimeur.

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United hold talks about manager position

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United hold talks about manager position

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has met with Manchester United and had positive talks about becoming the new Man United manager

There has been a drop in quality at United over the past couple of years.

In fact, they currently sit seventh in the Premier League, one place below West Ham.

Klaassen wants Ten Hag to stay

Erik ten Hag, Ajax manager January 2022

Of course, Ajax will want their manager to remain at the club, rather than make the switch to United.

That was something that Klaassen was also clear about.

“He can also stay. I hope so,” he added.

Whether or not Ten Hag does stay remains to be seen. Of course, it will be a big coup should United bring in a manager of his quality, at the expense of Ajax.

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