Ten Hag closes in on silverware as Ajax reach Dutch Cup final

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Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag is one game away from winning another piece of silverware after a victory in the KNVB Cup final.

The Eredivisie side beat AZ Alkmaar 2-0 thanks to a goal in each half from Steven Berghuis and Davy Klaassen.

Ajax had dominated possession with 61 per cent, although only attempted six shots at goal. It was enough to overpower an inferior Alkmaar side.

The victory sets up a huge KNVB Cup final on April 17 against PSV Eindhoven, who beat Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 in the other semi-final 24 hours earlier.

Ten Hag has won the KNVB Cup twice as Ajax boss and is looking to make it three, but PSV will not be pushovers.

Despite Ajax’s terrific Eredivisie record which has seen them concede only seven league goals this season, PSV are doggedly keeping pace, just two points behind them.

Ten Hag’s Ajax could quite easily win the double, or end up with nothing if they fall apart. Having lost surprisingly in the league at the weekend, it was important to get the win this evening with Manchester United rumours swirling.

The Mail reported last night Ten Hag has been improving his English skills ahead of a potential summer switch to Old Trafford.

Speaking before tonight’s semi-final, Ten Hag told Trouwl his only focus was on Ajax, an understandable public stance to take, considering the fact they have so much to play for right now, with their Champions League tie with Benfica also poised tightly at 2-2 after the first leg.

It would be better for Ten Hag to arrive at United on a high this summer, with silverware behind him, although his success or lack of won’t influence the Red Devils’ decision. They will be making a recommendation based on his record up until now over the past four years at Ajax, not how this particular season ends.

United have not won a single trophy since 2017, in which United beat Ajax in the Europa League final, when Marcel Keizer was the Dutch club’s manager. United have been through two permanent bosses and an interim since and are now looking for a fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.