Erik ten Hag admits encountering Manchester United-like problems at Ajax

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has highlighted problems with his side that will sound very familiar to Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News understands the 52-year-old has emerged as the preferred candidate to take over at Old Trafford in the summer. Ralf Rangnick has been in charge of United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking last November.

On Sunday, Ten Hag witnessed his Ajax side take a massive step closer to claiming the Eredivisie title as they saw off Feyenoord 3-2 thanks to a late winner from Antony. The win took them to two points clear of nearest challengers PSV Eindhoven but he encountered a problem that United fans are all too familiar with.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag lifts lid on Sir Alex Ferguson chat as Ajax boss becomes Manchester United favourite

“If they do their jobs and take positions, that doesn't happen," Ten Hag told ESPN (via Voetbal International). "Now it does happen, that could have been prevented.

"If they do what they have to do, they won't counterattack. It is a condition to play good pressing. There were also many moments where we did have it, then Feyenoord can't figure it out."

Both Ten Hag and Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino are on the list of candidates to take charge of United in the summer.

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