Breaking news :Erik ten Hag breaks silence after becoming Utd's preferred managerial candidate

 Erik ten Hag has refused to be drawn on 

speculation suggesting he could become 

Manchester United's next permanent 

manager.

As reported by the Manchester Evening

 News , Ten Hag is now United's preferred 

choice to become the club's next permanent

 boss. United haven't finalised their plans

 thus far, although they still intend 

on making an appointment before 

the end of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino remains one 

of the frontrunners for the job alongside 

the Dutchman, while United have not 

ruled out making an approach for Thomas 

Tuchel amid the ongoing uncertainty at 

Chelsea. However, Ten Hag looks to 

be leading the way.

ALSO READ: Why Erik ten Hag is the

 ideal manager for the Manchester 

United board

The 52-year-old is under contract at 

Ajax until next year, although his 

compensation package shouldn't pose

 much of an issue for United. The

 Premier League giants have been 

impressed by his ability to rebuild his

 side following the departures 

of some key players.

Ten Hag has now been given his first

 opportunity to speak about the latest

 development in United's interest. News

 of their preference for the Ajax boss came

 after his side were dumped out of 

the Champions League this week 

at the hands of Benfica.

Ten Hag responded exactly as you 

would expect when asked about the links

. Speaking ahead of his side's clash with 

Feyenoord this weekend, the Dutchman 

insisted his focus remains on finishing 

the season strongly with Ajax.

"I am just focused on this season,” Ten 

Hag said during his press conference.

 “All energy is being put in the current 

squad. I don't think about next season. 

I want to get the maximum out of the 

current season, we can still win two

 trophies.”

On his side's exit from the Champions

 League, Ten Hag added: "Of course

, it is clear that this disappointment is 

coming. But a sportsman fights back, 

gets himself back together and focuses

 on the future. We have to make sure 

we play in the Champions League

 again next year."

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