‘My energy is for Ajax’ – Erik ten Hag dodges question about Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal

Erik ten Hag insists he was paying no attention to Manchester United’s performance against Arsenal on Saturday and was only focused on getting a result with Ajax.

The Dutchman was officially confirmed as the new United manager on Thursday and will take over the reins at Old Trafford once the season is over – though first he still has to secure the Eredivisie title with his current club.

Ajax had lost the Dutch Cup final against PSV last time out but bounced back against NEC on Saturday with a narrow 1-0 win that maintains their four-point lead at the top of the table with four games left to play.

But shortly before Ajax kicked off, Ten Hag’s new club were taking on Arsenal at the Emirates and suffered another disappointing defeat which effectively ended their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.

United lost 3-1 in north London, with Bruno Fernandes missing a penalty that would have tied the scores before Granit Xhaka put the game to bed.

But Ten Hag insists he was not in any way distracted by United’s match against Arsenal and was fully focused on Ajax’s match against NEC, while he had no thoughts on his new club likely missing out on the top four.

Asked about United’s defeat and the ramifications, Ten Hag responded: ‘I don’t have an opinion about that because I show respect for the people who are at Man United now. And, as I’ve said, I am responsible for Ajax and that is what I give comment on.’

Tony Adams takes swipe at Arsenal star after Man Utd win: 'He scares the life out of me'

Ralf Rangnick explains why Cristiano Ronaldo didn't take Man Utd penalty vs Arsenal

Erik ten Hag wants to sign Barcelona star to replace Paul Pogba at Man Utd

Asked if it is hard to focus only on Ajax, Ten Hag continued: ‘I always