Erik ten Hag dismisses Manchester United question after painful Ajax loss

Erik ten Hag had no interest at all in discussing his imminent move to Manchester United after his Ajax side suffered a painful defeat to PSV in the Dutch Cup final on Sunday.

Ajax had taken the lead in the first half through Ryan Gravenberch and held that lead at the break, but by the 50th minute PSV were ahead, through Erick Gutierrez and Cody Gakpo.

2-1 is how the game finished in Rotterdam and was a blow to Ten Hag who wanted to end his reign at Ajax with a league and cup double.

His move to Manchester United this summer has not been confirmed yet, but is believed to be agreed and an announcment not too far away.

However, Ten Hag was not in the mood to talk about it after the chastening defeat. When the topic of Manchester United was raised, he said: ‘I think this is the time to end the press conference. I will need 24 hours to recover from this.’

Ajax technical manager Gerry Hamstra threw something in a spanner in the works of the assumption that Ten Hag is to leave, telling ESPN before the final: ‘We hope he stays, but there are now only two scenarios. Our job is to stick to the facts and he’s not left yet.

‘He is focused on the present. Only Erik can determine his future. He is old enough and wise enough for that.

‘We really hope he stays, and if he does not stay we have to be ready for the second scenario.’

Ten Hag is very much still expected to take over from Ralf Rangnick as United manager.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.