Erik ten Hag's unfinished Champions League business could be good news for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag stood stock still, forlorn. He isn't a man of much emotion but this had been a soul-destroying few minutes.

The Dutchman had been on the brink of a Champions League final, but late drama had taken it away from him and his exciting Ajax side. Tottenham had come from behind to net an added-time winner with almost the last kick of the game to stun the Dutch giants and all but silence the Amsterdam Arena.

"It is difficult to process," said Ten Hag in the aftermath. "This is the cruel side of football. It is very hard to find the right words for moments like that."

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It was a moment that had to be seized, something of a one-time offer. Ajax, for all their proud history and glorious 1970s era, no longer have the financial clout to compete on the European stage. Vultures circled and within months of that semi-final loss, four of their starting XI had been sold.

Ajax were knocked out in the group stage in the following two seasons before the re-booted version offered fresh hope in 2021. Ten Hag's side stormed through their group scoring 20 goals and winning all six matches. They were favourites to oust Benfica in the last 16 but once again fell to a second-leg home defeat, losing 1-0 after a 2-2 draw in Portugal.

Come the end of the campaign, Ten Hag had packed his bags for Manchester. He will lead United into Champions League battle for the first time next season.

His debut season has delivered a trophy, the top four and a platform to build. But, unlike at Ajax, United have the resources to compete year on year if they get their recruitment right.

"This club belongs in the Champions League," he said after the win over Chelsea last week. "It is not easy in the Premier