Erik ten Hag insists former Manchester United target Hakim Ziyech must ‘play every week’ as he reveals his ‘bond for life’ with the ex-Ajax star – but refuses to reveal details of their talk following Chelsea’s 4- 1 thrashing at Old Trafford
- Erik ten Hag has refused to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech on Thursday evening
- Manchester United boss managed the Chelsea winger during his time at Ajax
- The 30-year-old is one of several Chelsea players expected to leave this summer
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag declined to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech, but insisted the Chelsea winger “has to play every week”.
Some Blues fans were displeased with Ten Hag sharing a few words and hugging Ziyech, whom he managed during his time at Ajax, as they left the field after United beat Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night.
The Moroccan international also switched shirts with United’s Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia before entering the tunnel.
When asked about his conversation with Ziyech, Ten Hag later told Viaplay, “That’s between Hakim and me. We’ve been through a lot together, beautiful things. There is a bond for life.’
United cemented 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 last 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
Chelsea’s Moroccan winger came off the bench for a brief cameo in the last 10 minutes
Ziyech was part of Ten Hag-led Ajax that won the Eredivisie in 2019 and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
In 2020, he joined Chelsea but struggled in West London, making just nine appearances for The Blues this season.
The 30-year-old was due to join PSG during the January transfer window but the move fell through.
And Ziyech is one of the Chelsea players expected to leave this summer.
“He has to play every week,” said Ten Hag.
‘A footballer like that should be on the field in the prime of his life.’