Man United boss Erik ten Hag refuses to reveal his chat with Hakim Ziyech after win over Chelsea

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag refused to reveal his chat with Hakim Ziyech but insisted the Chelsea winger must ‘play every week’.

Some Blues fans were unhappy with Ten Hag sharing a few words and hugging Ziyech, who he managed during his time at Ajax, as they left the pitch after United beat Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Morocco international also swapped shirts with United’s Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia before heading down the tunnel. 

Asked about his conversation with Ziyech, Ten Hag later told Viaplay: ‘That is between Hakim and me. We have experienced a lot together, beautiful things. There is a bond for life.’

United confirmed 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 final 10 minutes. 

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with Hakim Ziyech after the victory over Chelsea

Read Related Also: Barcelona eye ‘cut-price attacking trio of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Yannick Carrasco and Abde’

The pair shared a few words and hugged as they left the pitch together on Thursday night

The Moroccan Chelsea winger came off the bench for a brief cameo in the final 10 minutes

Ziyech was part of the Ajax side managed by Ten Hag that won the Eredivisie and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

In 2020, he joined Chelsea but has struggled in west London, making just nine appearances for the Blues this season.

The 30-year-old was on the verge of joining PSG during the January transfer window before the move fell through.

And Ziyech is among the Chelsea players expected to leave this summer.

‘He has to play every week,’ Ten Hag said. 

‘A footballer like that, in the prime of his life, must be on the pitch.’