Erik ten Hag to Manchester United? Ajax boss addresses Old Trafford links amid reports of ‘100% interest’

Erik ten Hag insists he is not thinking about the vacant Manchester United job as he focuses on his current role at Ajax.

The highly-rated Dutch coach is frequently mentioned prominently when high-profile positions in the Premier League arise and that has once again promptly been the case following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's exit from Old Trafford.

Solskjaer was finally dismissed by United on Sunday following almost three years at the helm after a dismal run of five defeats in seven Premier League matches culminated in a humiliating 4-1 thrashing by Watford at Vicarage Road.

Michael Carrick has been placed in temporary charge ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Villarreal, with United seeking an initial interim appointment before going for a long-term target next summer.

Ten Hag is one of many to be linked with the job, with Sky Sports reporting that the 51-year-old two-time Eredivisie winner - in charge at Ajax since 2017 - would "100 per cent" be interested in succeeding Solskjaer.

He was inevitably quizzed on such speculation after Sunday's thumping 5-0 win over RKC Waalwijk, but said he had yet to hear about any interest.

"I am focused on my team, we have a brilliant squad and we want to achieve a lot," Ten Hag said.

"We have a brilliant squad, we want to fight for titles. My focus is on Ajax, the rest only distracts. I expect from my players that they are focused on Ajax, so I have to give the right example for that too.

"You keep asking me [about my position as Ajax manager], yes it is a weird question. I heard nothing about [United's interest], so I can't think about it."

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