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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

'Miracle worker' - Manchester United fans deliver fresh Erik ten Hag verdict despite Ajax defeat

Supporters have delivered a split verdict on Erik ten Hag after watching the Manchester United manager-elect slip to defeat with Ajax in the Dutch Cup final on Sunday afternoon. Ajax were beaten 2-1 by rivals PSV Eindhoven.

Quickfire goals from Cody Gakpo and Erick Gutierrez did the damage in Rotterdam after United-linked Netherlands starlet Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring. Ajax saw a would-be equaliser from Davy Klaassen chalked off by VAR as Ten Hag relinquished his hold on the trophy.

Under his management, Ajax had won the Dutch Cup in 2019 and 2021. Still on course for a third Eredivisie title this season, though, the 52-year-old is edging closer to being appointed as permanent successor to sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford dugout. No official announcement has been made in that respect.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag pattern with Ajax hints at first Manchester United transfer

However, the signs are that he will take over the reigns after Manchester Evening News reported last month that Ten Hag was a preferred candidate for the vacancy. Mauricio Pochettino was the other front-runner and Ajax chief Gerry Hamstra shared an update on Ten Hag to United before the Rotterdam showpiece.

Amid suggestions that a verbal agreement is in place between United and Ten Hag, that can be backed up by key figures in the boardroom waiting for a decision before pressing forward with transfer matters.

Needless to say, the manager-elect drew attention from Old Trafford and beyond on Easter Sunday and supporters have offered up a varied responses after watching the final unfold. But were Ajax simply unlucky or Ten Hag play any part in PSV fighting back? Here are a selection of comments from social media;

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