Ajax manager Erik ten Hag smirked off suggestions that he is ready to take the Manchester United managerial job this summer.
The Dutchman is one of the two front-runners for the Red Devils managerial role alongside PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The 52-year-old has perhaps increased the speculation with his response to taking English lessons and being interested in a switch to Old Trafford.
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has potentially given away his interest in the Manchester United job this summer
United are on the hunt for a permanent successor for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take over the reins from interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
It has previously been reported that ten Hag has been taking English lessons in preparation for his move to England.
When asked on the reports by BT Sport, the Dutchman responded in somewhat emphatic fashion: ‘No, that (report) is not true! We (already) talk English at the club because there are a lot of foreign players in Holland and they are already educated in English so (it makes sense).’
The Dutchman has led them to two Eredivisie and KNVB Cup doubles, developing a reputation for playing progressive football.
Ajax have enjoyed success for the last five years under Erik ten Hag (pictured, right)
Ajax have also enjoyed deep runs in European competition, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
But he refused to comment too much on his future, instead insisting he is fully focused on the current campaign with Ajax.
‘I do not think that is an issue today, this evening is all about our match,’ he responded.
‘I am focused on that and I do not pay any attention to other subjects. My only focus is Ajax vs Benfica.’
Ajax’s policy of often selling their best players for significant fees has made it difficult for ten Hag to get the best out of his team.
The likes of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek have all left the club for significant fees in recent years.
Ajax often sell their best players including Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt (pictured), Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek in recent years
The boss is growing frustrated with the situation and will be even more so after his side crashed out of the Champions League to Benfica.
‘The lifespan of our team has always been short in recent years. I understood – and still understand – the sale of players.
‘But you can hardly cope with such bloodletting if you want to continue to play a significant role in the Champions League.
‘You need giant players for that – and Ajax can not buy that calibre of players.’
