According to the British media "Manchester Evening News", Tenhag has become the first choice for manchester United's new manager, but the Dutchman refused to get involved in the rumors, stressing that his current task is to lead Ajax to win the Dutch Cup, rather than considering the Red Devils.
United hope to determine the manager by the end of the season, and after the Champions League is out, the club is already doomed to end empty-handed, with the highest achievement being only fourth in the Premier League. The Manchester United hierarchy has yet to decide on a specific candidate for the next manager, with Tenhag considered the first option at the moment, but Paris Saint-Germain's Pochettino and Chelsea's Tuchel are also within consideration.
The 52-year-old Tenhag's contract with Ajax expires next year, and his salary is not a problem for Manchester United, who is accustomed to losing his core players every year and constantly rebuilding, which is similar to the situation that Manchester United need to face this summer.
However, United have now lost their goals and other teams still have a heavy responsibility on their shoulders. At Friday's Dutch A focus press conference, Tenhag again responded to rumors of coaching Manchester United, insisting he would not consider the future at the moment. Ajax's opponent in this round is One of the Dutch top three, Feyenoord, who will have to talk directly with title rival Eindhoven in the future, and Tenghag hopes to end the season strongly.
"I'm just focused on this season," Tenhag said, "all my energy is on the current squad and I don't think about next season." I want to get the best results in the season and we can still win two trophies."
Referring to the Champions League exit, Tenghag hopes that Ajax will be painful and rebound strongly. 'Of course, it's clear that this will bring disappointment, but a player has to bounce back, pick himself up and look to the future and we have to make sure we play in the Champions League again next year.'
According to Germany's Sky Sports, Manchester United has approached Chelsea manager Tuchel, but has been rejected by the other side. While Chelsea boss Abu will certainly sell the club and the Red Devils are interested in inviting Tuchel, the German has made it clear that he loves the Blues.
Asked about the Manchester United rumors at Chelsea's FA Cup quarter-final press conference against Middlesbrough, Tutchell said: "I don't need to react to the rumors. Put yourself in your shoes, do you think I should be more loyal to the club in this situation, or ignore it?"
"I don't think so, I love being here and working for Chelsea. This club has everything that makes me happy, that's why there's no need to care about the rumors, we have enough reason to stay here and that's what we're doing."
Of course, It is true that United are interested in Tuchel, but it is another matter to take him away from Chelsea and the odds are slim. The German's contract with the club expires in 2024 and Chelsea's next boss is expected to give priority to retaining him as well.
German Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg explains: "The situation in Tuchel is updated. Given Chelsea's future instability, United are indeed interested in him and they have already poked in the air. But Tuchel loves Chelsea and he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge and his family is happily living in London. So, in fact, he doesn't think about coaching Manchester United."
Interestingly, former Chelsea boss Ken Bates revealed this week why Abu did not buy Manchester United that year, but bought the Blues. As we all know, Abu fell in love with football after watching Manchester United beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, but he became the owner of the Blues. Bates explained: "He went to Old Trafford and enjoyed the game but didn't like the atmosphere. He surveyed all 20 Premier League clubs and selected one London club."