Erik ten Hag insisted former Man United target Hakim Ziyech ‘needs to play every week’ as he revealed his lifelong bond with the ex-Ajax star – but refused to reveal details of their chat after 4- 1 Chelsea drubbing at Old Trafford
- Erik ten Hag refused to reveal his chat with Hakim Ziyech on Thursday night
- The Manchester United boss managed the Chelsea winger during his time at Ajax
- The 30-year-old is among the Chelsea players expected to leave this summer
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has refused to reveal his chat with Hakim Ziyech but insists the Chelsea winger must ‘play every week’.
Some Blues fans were unhappy with Ten Hag who shared a few words and hugged Ziyech, who he managed during his time at Ajax, as they left the pitch after United beat Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night .
The Morocco international also swapped shirts with United’s Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia before heading down the tunnel.
When asked about his talks with Ziyech, Ten Hag told Viaplay: ‘It’s between me and Hakim. We have experienced a lot together, great things. There is a connection to life.’
United confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League with a 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday night with Ziyech coming off the bench for a brief cameo in the final 10 minutes.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with Hakim Ziyech after the victory over Chelsea
The pair shared a few words and embraced as they left the pitch together on Thursday night
The Chelsea winger came off the bench for a brief cameo in the final 10 minutes
Ziyech was part of the Ajax side managed by Ten Hag that won the Eredivisie and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
In 2020, he joined Chelsea but struggled in west London, making just nine appearances for the Blues this season.
The 30-year-old was on the verge of joining PSG in the January transfer window before the move went through.
And Ziyech is among the Chelsea players expected to leave this summer.
‘He has to play every week,’ said Ten Hag. ‘A footballer like that, in the prime of his life, should be on the pitch.’
