Stam reveals Ten Hag’s strengths, warns boss about Man Utd ‘step forward’

Jaap Stam has warned Ajax boss Erik ten Hag about the “step forward” he faces if he takes over from Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United.
The Red Devils will appoint a new permanent manager this summer. Rangnick is currently in charge on an interim basis.
The German is due to take up a consultancy role behind the scenes ahead of next season.
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Ten Hag appears to be a leading candidate for the role. PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino is also being linked with the club.
The Ajax boss has been in charge since the end of 2017. He has helped them win five trophies in this time.
Stam believes the challenge facing Ten Hag at Man Utd “would be another thing” compared to Ajax:
“Ten Hag is doing very well at Ajax; he makes the team a difficult opponent for everyone in Europe and Holland. He is very good at showing the players what to do and also at improving individual players,” Stam said (via Manchester Evening News).
“At Ajax, he obviously has the finances to grow the team with young players.
“For him, Man United would be another thing compared to what he is experiencing in Holland. He has to take this step forward in his career.”
On Cristiano Ronaldo, Stam added: “Ronaldo didn’t play in the derby, then scored three goals against Tottenham. It’s always difficult to understand what goes on in a dressing room, but Ronaldo showed his strength.
“You have to involve someone like him in decisions; you have to talk to him. He’s fundamental for the locker room; he helps you raise the level of the team.”
Elsewhere, Rio Ferdinand has praised in-form Man Utd winger Jadon Sancho:
“Jadon Sancho, form wise, is in the best form he’s been in in a Man Utd shirt, and I think there’s loads more to come from him,” Ferdinand said.
“He has had the adaptation time and I think we’re seeing the benefits of that now.
“He’s fitter as well. He’s one of those in recent games you’ve looked to for that spark, that bit of quality.”