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Ajax's technical manager has declared his wish to keep coach Erik ten Hag away from Manchester United's clutches, but conceded the Dutch club "know how the world works".

Ten Hag is the favourite to become the next United manager this summer and was recently interviewed for the position. The Dutchman has impressed in his homeland, winning two Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups. He also guided Ajax to within seconds of the Champions League final in 2018-19, conceding a late goal to Tottenham.

Crucially, he also has 15 months remaining on his existing deal and the club's technical manager Gerry Hamstra is hopeful he will stay on board - but he admits that will be difficult. "It would be fantastic if he is still Ajax’s coach next season," Hamstra told Voetbal International. "He still has an ongoing contract with Ajax, but we also all know how the world works.

"Erik is a professional and focuses on this season himself, on the important months ahead in which the prizes will be distributed. The future will tell, but it is clear that Erik is very important for Ajax."

Ten Hag is just one of many to be linked with the United