Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he would offer a reference to Manchester United for Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.
The 52-year-old Ten Hag, who led Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 and is chasing a third Eredivisie title this season, was previously a reserve manager at Bayern while Guardiola was in charge of the first team.
Guardiola said, “We spoke quite regularly and he is just an incredible person and human being. I was surprised at how humble he was.
“For his qualities, just take a look at his Ajax team in the last years. It is a joy to watch.
“In many, many games, not just the year they got to the Champions League semi-final (in 2019).
“In terms of qualities, just look at his teams. To define a manager, watch his team for a long time. This is a team, and this manager makes the players play. There is no doubt about that. If I was 100 per cent sure I would call Manchester United and say ‘guys you have to take him’, but nobody knows.”
Guardiola also thinks he would even fit in well at the Etihad Stadium when the Spaniard eventually leaves.
The City manager, who is contracted until the end of next season, said at a press conference: “Are you asking me if Erik Ten Hag could be here? Definitely.
“A lot could be here and I think he could be one of the ones. For the way he approaches the game, definitely, definitely. I will say (it) to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) now!”
