Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has broken his silence over reports linking him to Manchester United but claimed he is only focusing on his current side.
Reports emerged earlier this week that United have interviewed ten Hag over the vacant managerial position at Old Trafford and have begun to do their homework on the Dutch boss with a view to appointing him in the summer.
The Ajax boss has been one of the favourites for the role ever since United took the decision to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of last year.
Ralf Rangnick was put in charge until the end of the season as United look to rebuild after five consecutive seasons without a trophy. Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is also thought to be in the running.
However, the news of ten Hag’s interview with United appears to make him the clear favourite.
Speaking to Sport1 (via Daily Mail), ten Hag praised United and admitted there has been conversations, but claimed his solely focused on Ajax.
“I’ve sat down with Ajax after every season so far. That will also be the case this time. I can say that Ajax and Erik ten Hag are very happy with each other at the moment.
“Everyone knows each other in the industry. There are always talks with representatives from other clubs, that’s normal. Manchester United is a great club with great fans.
“But I can only repeat myself: My full focus is completely on Ajax! We are already planning for the new season.
The Dutchman added: “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 [PSV] 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.”