Erik ten Hag insists ex-Man United target Hakim Ziyech ‘must play every week’ as he reveals his ‘lifelong bond’ with ex-Ajax star – but refuses to reveal details of their conversation after Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing at Old Trafford
- Erik ten Hag refused to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech on Thursday evening
- The Manchester United boss managed the Chelsea winger during his time at Ajax
- The 30-year-old is among Chelsea players set to leave this summer
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag refused to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech but insisted the Chelsea winger had to “play every week”.
Some Blues fans were unhappy as Ten Hag shared a few words and hugged Ziyech, who he managed during his time at Ajax, as they walked off the pitch after United beat Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday evening.
The Morocco international also swapped shirts with United’s Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia before heading into the tunnel.
Asked about his conversation with Ziyech, Ten Hag later told Viaplay, “It’s between Hakim and me. We have been through many things together, beautiful things. There is a bond for 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 appearance in the final 10 minutes.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with Hakim Ziyech after win over Chelsea
The couple shared a few words and hugged as they left the pitch together on Thursday night
The Chelsea winger came off the bench for a brief appearance in the final 10 minutes
Ziyech was part of the Ajax team managed by Ten Hag that won the Eredivisie and reached the Champions League semi-finals 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 close to joining PSG during the January transfer window before the transfer materialized.
And Ziyech is among the Chelsea players set to leave this summer.
“He has to play every week,” Ten Hag said. “A footballer like that, in his prime, has to be on the pitch.”
