Reports that RB Leipzig are set to rival Manchester United’s interest in Ajax manager Erik ten Hag have been branded as ‘absolutely nonsense’.
Ten Hag has emerged as the preferred candidate for the Premier League side as United look to appoint a permanent manager ahead of next season, with negotiations continuing between the Dutchman and Red Devils.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf had reported on Sunday that United faced competition from Leipzig for the 52-year-old, stating that the race for his signature was ‘wide open’.
However, multiple sources in Germany have since dismissed the suggestion that Leipzig are rivalling the Red Devils and reports that the Bundesliga side are keen on Ten Hag have been described as ‘nonsense’.
Ten Hag to RB Leipzig NOT TRUE! They are very happy with Tedesco.
Ten Hag was on the list BEFORE they signed Tedesco— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) April 10, 2022
Ten Hag is believed to have impressed during a formal round of interviews at Manchester United and the two parties remain in negotiations over a potential deal.
The Dutchman is understood to want assurances over his potential role with the Red Devils before committing to a move and any announcement will wait until after Ajax’s KNVB Cup final with PSV on April 17.
Leipzig had been interested in Ten Hag following the decision to sack Jesse Marsch in December, but the German side instead moved to appoint Spartak Moscow head coach Domenico Tedesco.
Leipzig are said to be ‘totally satisfied’ with Tedesco’s impact since arriving at the Red Bull Arena with the club having lost just twice in 15 league fixtures under the Italian’s management.
RB Leipzig to hijack Man United’s potential Erik ten Hag deal? Absolutely nonsense! The Dutch was a candidate @RBLeipzig in the past. Leipzig are totally satisfied with Domenico Tedesco. Ten Hag is still the top candidate to takeover #MUFC. @SPORT1
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) April 10, 2022
Leipzig are unbeaten in their last eight Bundesliga games with Sunday’s 3-0 win over Hoffenheim leaving the side in the Champions League places.
