Manchester United are waiting on Erik ten Hag’s arrival and it is getting closer every day.
Ten Hag is now a three-time Eredivisie winner after Ajax clinched the title with a 5-0 win over Heerenveen.
The manager has just one game at Ajax, and last night’s win was his final home game, sparking some emotional scenes.
Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar spoke with Ten Hag on the Ajax pitch in front of home fans amid the title celebrations.
Goodbye speech
Manchester United’s former number one gave a goodbye speech to wish Erik ten Hag well and thank him for the incredible work he had done for Ajax.
Van der Sar was quoted by Ajax Showtime: “I still remember our first conversation about football. What were you going to do with Ajax? You have exceeded all expectations.
“You let Ajax play dominant football, attractive. You have also won prizes, reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and won the cup.’
“You go to a club that I also support. I wish you the best of luck there. You go out through the front door of the Johan Cruijff Arena and I hope to see you again soon.”
Ten Hag has now won three league titles with Ajax and two cups, and he will go to Manchester United to try and have some of the success Van der Sar enjoyed.
It won’t be easy, as Donny van de Beek will attest. Van der Sar also wished him well when he left, with a newspaper advert rather than a goodbye speech, and his move to Old Trafford has not worked out.
Ten Hag can play a part in putting that right, although ultimately it will be up to Van de Beek to perform, he should give him more chances than he previously had.
He could also be joined by Ten Hag’s former Ajax protege Frenkie de Jong, after Barcelona expert Gerard Romero claimed last night a deal to sell the midfielder to Manchester United is ’95 per cent done’.
Perhaps Manchester United can find a way to get Van der Sar to come over and join them all.