Erik ten Hag opens up on post-match chat with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech

Erik ten Hag was pictured in conversation with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech after Manchester United’s victory at Old Trafford on Thursday.

United secured their place in next season’s Champions League with their 4-1 win against The Blues.

Ziyech appeared as a second-half substitute for Frank Lampard’s side and assisted their only goal of the game.

The 30–year-old Moroccan swapped shirts with United left-back Tyrell Malacia before swiftly heading to the tunnel. On his way, the winger was seen in discussion with United boss Ten Hag.

The pair worked together at Ajax between 2017 and 2020 before the player made his move to the Premier League.

Ziyech was set to leave Stamford Bridge in the January window, but his move to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed on deadline day after a documentation issue.

When pressed on his conversation with his former player, Ten Hag did not give much away but stressed that a player of Ziyech’s quality must play consistent football.

“That’s between Hakim and me,” Ten Hag told Viaplay. “We have experienced a lot together, beautiful things. There is a bond for life.

“He has to play every week. A footballer like that, in the prime of his life, must be on the pitch.”

Ziyech made 165 appearances for Ajax during a four-year period and scored 49 goals.

Ten Hag has made positive impressions during his first season at Old Trafford. United have won their first trophy in six years and have the opportunity to complete a domestic cup double with a win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.