Ten Hag’s most-used player tells Man Utd what to expect despite contrary admission

Ajax captain Dusan Tadic has not given up hope that Erik ten Hag will stay with them rather than join Manchester United.

Ten Hag has been identified as the leading candidate to take the Old Trafford vacancy in the summer. He would be succeeding interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who stepped in for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this season.

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It has been a long process for Manchester United to find a permanent successor, but Ten Hag looks like the man they are closing in on appointing.

He has built up his reputation with Ajax since taking charge in December 2017. Tadic joined him as a player from the start of the following season.

The former Southampton winger has therefore been part of the bulk of Ten Hag’s Ajax career. There is a growing awareness that those days could be coming to an end, however.

But while Ten Hag will not speak about his own future, his captain has done it for him. Tadic has hailed the 52-year-old as one of the world’s elite managers.

As such, he hopes the Dutchman stays in charge of Ajax, where Tadic is tied down until 2024. But if United get him, they will be taking someone who is always ahead of the game.

Tadic said of Ten Hag: “I hope he stays. He is a great trainer. One of the best in the world.

“Tactically he thinks two steps ahead of the opponent. It is a pleasure to work with him.

“It is