Ajax striker Sebastien Haller has broken ranks to speak out on Erik ten Hag’s potential switch to Manchester United.
Haller’s comments come as the first public acknowledgement from the Ajax playing squad that Ten Hag could leave the club for Old Trafford.
Former West Ham striker Haller spoke to CNN, reported by FCUpdate.nl, and he said the Ajax manager has a big choice to make, and that he would not look to influence it.
Haller also suggested he would be intrigued to see how his current boss might fare if he took the job, and that he may have to adjust his approach in England.
‘We all understand’
Haller seemed to suggest the Ajax players would bear no ill-wish if Ten Hag decided the time was right to try a new challenge.
The Ivorian forward said: “Every dressing room is different and every team is different. Then you have to act differently, depending on the selection you have at your disposal. We’ll see how he will do.
“I know how good Ten Hag is tactically. He always has a good view of the opponents. With that he gives us the key to win a match.
“We all understand if he did it, but I think it’s up to the coach to choose what he wants. We’re just his players.
“I’m just grateful for what he has done for me and I hope he will make the best decision for himself.”
Haller scored 11 Champions League goals under Ten Hag for Ajax this season, and previously worked under him at Utrecht.
Ajax won their game at the weekend while second placed side PSV dropped points, opening the gap at the top to five points as Ten Hag closes in on a third Eredivisie title.
Ten Hag also suggested moving on
Ten Hag gave an interview to German channel Sport1 on Friday in which he skirted around links to United, but did not dismiss the possibility of taking the job.
He said: “Manchester United is a great club with great fans. But I can only repeat myself: My full focus is completely on Ajax.
“My focus is currently only on Ajax. But in football you never know. I don’t want to rule anything out. I’m currently employed here at Ajax to perform.
“With the cup final against Eindhoven, we still have eight finals left, and I need all my energy for that. Anything else would just be a distraction. I know that in football everything can change from one day to the next. If at some point I should decide to take the next step, I hope that people here will understand.”
The Telegraph has reported he is the current favourite for United manager role after undergoing an interview during the international break.
United are without a permanent manager since firing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in November.
- Erik Ten Hag’s managerial record and style of play
- Erik Ten Hag’s five most expensive transfers
- Ajax’s last five managers before Ten Hag and where they are now
- Five Ajax players Ten Hag could sign for Manchester United
- Ten Hag’s comments when Van de Beek left Ajax for Old Trafford
- Six key issues for Manchester United’s next boss
- The three biggest wins of Ten Hag’s managerial career
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