wicked.football

Manchester City and Manchester United are set to do battle to land in-demand Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, claims a report.

Ten Hag’s CV in Holland is a strong one and the 51-year-old is on the radar of both Manchester clubs. Ten Hag has won two Eredivisie titles, two Dutch cups and one Dutch super cup in his four years in Amsterdam. And the former Utrecht boss has made it clear that he is open to a new challenge.

At the start of the month Ten Hag told de Volkskrant: “I think I’m ready for it [to move to a top foreign club].

“I would be happy to take up that challenge.”

That must have set wheels in motion at Old Trafford. Ten Hag has been one of the big names tipped to take over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis.

For the interim, Ralf Rangnick has got the job until the summer. Then the experienced German will move to a consultancy role where he will help United appoint a new, full-time boss.

So far though, United’s interest in Ten Hag has not been firmed up. That could well change with Rangnick’s feet under the table to steady the ship at United.

And Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar executive hardly issued a hands-off warning on Wednesday.

“This means that we are doing something well,” Van der Sar told RTL 7in reference to Ten Hag’s Old Trafford links. “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.”

But with interest from City, the matter is complicated.

City officials are looking for a successor to Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard’s contract expires in the summer of 2023.

The former Barcelona chief has reiterated that he’ll “have to stop” after seven years at The Etihad. Guardiola has his eyes on a national team job.

Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…

‘Next best step’ for Ten Hag is Germany

That will leave City looking for a figure to follow in the footsteps of the 50-year-old, who has won the Premier League three times. He has also guided City to the Champions League final, as well as five domestic cup triumphs.

And according to a new report from De Telegraaf, City want Ten Hag to step into the void left by Guardiola.

It’s a huge void to fill for Ten Hag, who is well respected, but who has yet to work outside Holland.

Former Ajax star Ronald De Boer claimed last month it would be hard for Ten Hag to turn down a club like Manchester United. But he believes that a move to Germany would be a better fit for Ten Hag.

“He would be crazy if he didn’t do it. But it is not the best next step for him. It is best if he can go to Germany.

“He has gained experience at Bayern Munich and speaks the language fluently,” De Boer said, as quoted by FC Update, via Sport Witness.

READ MORE: Man Utd player ratings: Goalscorer shines despite underwhelming helpers

The post Manchester United in boardroom battle with Manchester City over boss target appeared first on TEAMtalk.