While Erik ten Hag is keeping quiet on his future, the same can't be said of Ajax captain Dusan Tadic.
Ten Hag is expected to be confirmed as Manchester United's next permanent manager after Sunday's KNVB Cup final, but the Dutchman sidestepped a question on the subject during his pre-match press conference. Similarly, United's current interim manager Ralf Rangnick turned his attention towards other matters when asked about his successor.
Tadic's response was different, though. The former Southampton playmaker, who captained Ajax for their run to the Champions League semi-finals under Ten Hag and still wears the armband, opened up on the situation in comments to the media on Friday.
“I hope he stays, he is a great trainer," Tadic said when asked about the manager (via the Manchester Evening News). "One of the best in the world.
"Tactically he thinks two steps ahead of the opponent. It is a pleasure to work with him.
"It is logical that there is interest in Ajax's trainer and players. That will always be the case. That is also why we are Ajax. We also have to radiate that."
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Tadic was one of Ten Hag's first signings when he joined Ajax from Southampton in 2018. The former Twente star scored a career-best 38 goals in all competitions in his first season in Amsterdam, and played a starring role in a win at the Bernabeu.
The 33-year-old has helped Ajax reach the cup final under Ten Hag this term, and they're one game away from retaining the trophy. Victory against PSV Eindhoven on Sunday would complete the first leg of a league and cup double, with Ten Hag's team holding a four-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie.
While Tadic had no qualms about giving his thoughts on Ten Hag's future, the man he is set to replace kept his focus on other matters. Rangnick is due to lead Man Utd out against Norwich City, with three points essential if his team are to keep alive their slim hopes of a top four finish.
"I don't know if it's a done deal and my reply is the same - my focus is on the game against Norwich and to prepare the team on a higher level for the game," the former RB Leipzig manager said. "It doesn't make sense [to talk about ten Hag]. We all know he's a good manager, done a good job at Ajax and former clubs, but it doesn't make sense if I tell you what I think of another coach."
