United had planned to take advantage of Tenhag's victory after the Dutch Cup final at Ajax and announce that he would coach the Red Devils next season. However, the opposite happened, Ajax was tragically reversed by Eindhoven, losing the cup title, and Manchester United announced that the best time for a new manager did not appear.
In Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Ajax scored first in the first half by Ryan Gravenberg, but conceded two goals in a row in two minutes after the start of the second half, and was reversed by Eindhoven to lose 1-2. After the game, Tenhag refused to discuss coaching Manchester United.
Tenhag's contract negotiations with Manchester United are believed to have been agreed, and the signing will be signed this week, but it is only a matter of when it will be officially announced. But for now, Tenhag may need to focus on ensuring the success of the Dutch first division, which is currently four points ahead of Eindhoven and has five rounds left in the league.
After the final defeat, when asked about the rumors of coaching Manchester United, Tenghag directly flicked his sleeve away. "I think it's time to end this launch, I need 24 hours to calm down," he said.
Tenhag's two uses in the game were questioned. First, Sebastian Ale is Ajax's top scorer this season, scoring 33 goals in 37 games, but he was put on the bench in the final and replaced by 20-year-old Brian Broby. Main goalkeeper André Onana was suspected of losing the tournament squad due to injury. Completely excluded from the team in the ongoing bickering about his fitness level.
In an interview before the game, Tenhag was questioned because of the choice of goalkeeper. Tenhag said, "Onana is injured." For the first time, the reporter questioned: "Do you believe he was injured?" Tenhag emphasized, "I just told you he was injured." The reporter asked again, "Is he sick?" Tenhag had to reiterate: "He's injured." Finally, the Ajax manager glared at the interviewer and ended the conversation.
After Ajax trailed in the second half, Tenhag switched to Alai with 18 minutes left in the game, admitting that his choice may have been wrong, but it was too late and Ajax was ultimately unable to save the game.
Ajax's new sporting director, Gerry Hamstra, confirmed United's engagement with Tenhag, but stressed that the club was still struggling to retain it. He told ESPN before the final: "We want Eric [Tenhag] to stay, there are only two situations now. Our job is to stick to the facts, he hasn't left yet, and to focus on what's going on right now. Only Eric can decide his future, he's mature enough and smart enough. We really hope he stays, and if he chooses to leave, we'll have to prepare for the second scenario."
After the final, Tenhag was also encouraged by Dutch coach Hiddink. The coach who used to coach Eindhoven, an ESPN expert, hugged Tenhag and whispered in Dutch in his ear, "Do whatever you want."
According to the Daily Mail, Tenhag has officially been rejected by former Manchester United striker Impersie Van Persie, who will remain in Feyenoord and will not serve as a teaching assistant for the Red Devils. Because General Van's son, Shaquil, was playing in his hometown, he was reluctant to leave his hometown. Former Manchester United assistant coach McLaren will not return, and Tenghag can only choose from the 99-year treble main centre-back Stam, or the technical coach of the year, Murenstine.