Ajax player aims dig at Manchester United amid Erik ten Hag pursuit

Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen has aimed a slight dig at Manchester United by questioning why Erik ten Hag might want to join a club that 'has been doing badly for years'.

Ten Hag is United's preferred candidate to take the managerial position at the end of the season, though club sources are adamant that they remain open-minded in their ongoing search. United met with the 52-year-old last month to interview him about the role, and it later emerged that they would only have to pay Ajax £1.7million to release Ten Hag from his contract.

The Manchester Evening News revealed on Monday that the United dressing room is split over the possible appointment of Ten Hag as the club's next manager and that while a number of players are excited by the prospect of being coached by him, sources close to other players say he is viewed as an 'underwhelming' choice. Mauricio Pochettino of PSG is the other frontrunner for the job.

READ MORE: Manchester United dressing room split over possible Erik ten Hag appointment

United are keen to have their next permanent manager identified before the end of the season to prepare properly for a pivotal summer, though Ajax midfielder Klaassen is keen to see Ten Hag stay in Amsterdam.

“He has been doing well with us for years and Manchester United has been doing badly for years," former Everton player Klaassen told Voetball Primeur.

He added, in response to suggestions Ten Hag could go: “He can also stay. I hope so.”

His comments follow those of Ajax striker Sebastien Haller, who last week sounded a warning to United over the Ten Hag approach. He said: “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