Ajax star Steven Berghuis has given Manchester United players an insight into the improvements Erik ten Hag could make at Old Trafford.
United look to be closing in on the appointment of Ten Hag as their new permanent manager. Ajax expect the 52-year-old to make the switch after he emerged as United's preferred candidate along with Mauricio Pochettino.
Ten Hag was interviewed for the position last month, although United insist they are yet to make a final decision on any manager. Nevertheless, they intend to have their new appointment confirmed before the end of the season.
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Despite the Dutchman’s expected arrival, the United dressing room remains split on his appointment. Former Watford flop Berghuis’ insight, though, should go some way to settling some of the players’ concerns.
Berghuis joined Ajax last summer from rivals Feyenoord, and has seen his fortunes improve drastically following his poor spell at Vicarage Road. The 30-year-old could be set for a place in the Netherlands squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar thanks to Ten Hag’s guidance, with the winger admitting his departure would be a major blow for the Eredivisie champions.
“I have not been with Ajax that long, but if you see what this manager has achieved with the squad for almost four-and-half years, it is incredible,” Berghuis said (via the Mirror).
“Look at the average number of points and two Champions League campaigns. It is all so impressive. It will become a massive challenge for the new manager, but also for the club if he leaves. What you can see right now is that Ten Hag’s signature is all over this Ajax side.”
On his own career and performances, Berghuis added: “Of course, it was a difficult transition to Ajax, an enormous challenge. I am particularly satisfied with the number of starts I got from Erik ten Hag.
“The fact that I have been able to develop myself under Ten Hag in several positions is also satisfying. I was regarded as nothing more than a right winger, but this manager has used my qualities in slightly different positions.
"The coach explains most of what he wants to tell his players on the basis of video material, both in the team analysis and also individually. Everyone receives an explanation about what is being asked and what this manager would like to see in each position.”
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