Erik Ten Hag Finally Breaks Silence On His Future Following Manchester United Interview

Ajax manager Erik ten Tag has refused to rule out the possibility of leaving the Eredivisie club for a fresh challenge amid rumours surrounding his future.

The 52-year-old was interviewed by Manchester United last week, according to widespread reports, as the Premier League side continue in their quest to find a new permanent manager.

Ten Hag, who has coached Ajax since 2017, impressed United officials during the chat, according to The Times, who claim the club believe he would 'fit well into their structure' if he were to take over at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is now the bookies favourite to become United's new manager and, in a recent interview with German publication Sport1, he finally spoke about the United links.

When asked if he could confirm whether talks had taken place with the Reds, Ten Hag said: "Everyone knows each other in the industry. There are always talks with representatives from other clubs, that's normal. Manchester United is a great club with great fans. 

"But I can only repeat myself: My full focus is completely on Ajax. We are already planning for the new season."

Good meeting at #Ajaxfc training ground De Toekomst with manager Erik ten Hag who is chased by many European top clubs. Exciting to speak with him about football. The big excl interview about the ManUnited rumours, Gravenberch and Mazraoui coming up very soon @SPORT1. @kerry_hau pic.twitter.com/wEBvTKElzv

— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) March 29, 2022

And when asked if he had set himself a deadline in regards to his decision, the 52-year-old replied: "I've sat down with Ajax after every season so far. That will also be the case this time. 

"I can say that Ajax and Erik ten Hag are very happy with each other at the moment."

In the interview, Ten Hag also explained his special connection to the Bundesliga – a league he hopes to work in one day. "The Bundesliga is a fantastic league," he said. "And I hope to work there in the future."

🚨 - Ten Hag: "For me it's important that a club comes with a concrete plan, with an idea behind it. What's the objective of the club? Why do they want me as their manager? If everything fits together.. then we can find each other." [@SPORT1] pic.twitter.com/FiHJKnXrsn

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) April 1, 2022

Earlier this week, former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal warned ten Hag against joining a 'commercial club.'

“Erik ten Hag is a great coach and that is always good for Manchester United,” Van Gaal said in a press conference on Tuesday. “But Manchester United are a commercial club, so it’s a difficult choice for a coach. He would be better going to a football club. I’m not going to advise him, he’ll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club.”

Louis van Gaal has warned Manchester United target Erik ten Hag off a move to Old Trafford, saying he "must choose a football club and not a commercial club." 👀pic.twitter.com/lTOt2821PO

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 28, 2022

Do you think Erik ten Hag is the right man for the job at United?

Let us know in the comments.