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Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar welcomed Manchester United’s rumoured interest in head coach Erik ten Hag, while he hinted at a return to the Red Devils.
Ten Hag has been linked with Premier League giants United, who are eyeing a long-term manager following the interim appointment of Ralf Rangnick until the end of the season.
Ajax’s Ten Hag has impressed in his time in Amsterdam, where the 51-year-old has delivered two Eredivisie titles and embarked on a memorable run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals.
Ten Hag’s men have been the entertainers of Europe this term, dazzling their way into the Champions League round of 16, becoming the first Dutch side in history to win all six of their group-stage games in a campaign following Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Sporting CP.
Ajax have also won six consecutive matches in the European Cup/Champions League for the first time in their illustrious history.
Van der Sar was asked about the speculation regarding Ten Hag prior to the Group C fixture in Amsterdam.
“This means that we are doing something well,” Van der Sar told RTL7 pre-game. “It’s the same with the players. When we perform well, the interest comes.
“If there is interest in our players or coach… we’ve all been blown away in the past. So be it, we have to make sure we’re ready by then, that the lists are filled in.”
Former United goalkeeper Van der Sar has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, where the 51-year-old won four Premier League titles and the Champions League among other honours between 2005 and 2011.
Van der Sar has held the role of Ajax CEO since 2016 and he responded to the rumours by saying: “I am enjoying myself so much at Ajax, I still have two years left here.
“I want to keep achieving things here with the club. But I am sure that one day the moment will arrive.”
Van der Sar added: “I think it’s really cool to be part of the club like this, because you don’t do this alone and not just this year, but in the past 10 years.
“I still have two years to go. I don’t think we’re done at the club here yet. I think we can still grow in the Netherlands, but especially internationally. That’s the challenge. And that seems even more cool for now.”
