Former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt backs Erik ten Hag to do a 'great job' at Man United as he says the Ajax boss deserves an 'opportunity at a top side' after he held talks to take over from Ralf Rangnick this summer

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Former Holland and Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt feels Manchester United would be getting a 'great' manager in Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is among the favourites alongside PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino to replace interim head coach Ralf Rangnick in the Old Trafford hot seat this summer.

Sportsmail understands he was interviewed by the Red Devils earlier this month while the club also remain keen on Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui.

Dirk Kuyt feels Manchester United would be getting a 'great' manager in Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag is among the favourites to replace Ralf Rangnick (pictured) at Old Trafford

Ten Hag is known to have spoken to two other European clubs that play regularly in the Champions League, and has a firm offer from one that interests him.

Reports in Holland previously suggested it is still possible he could stay at Ajax, having signed a new contract after an unsuccessful interview with Tottenham last year.

But Kuyt, who won 104 caps for Holland and made more than 200 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, wants to see his fellow countryman given the chance to succeed at a prestigious club like United.  

Kuyt (pictured) wants to see his fellow countryman succeed at a prestigious club like United

'Ten Hag is a great, experienced coach. He's done his apprenticeship, if you like, with Bayern Munich's second team, then Utrecht and now at Ajax,' Kuyt told Goal.

'He is a great manager who has improved himself so much, on and off the pitch. 

'I know some people were doubting his level of speaking English, his performance in front of the camera, but you see him growing every week as a manager, and I think he can do a great job at any top side in Europe.

'His tactics, his way of thinking about football, is very interesting, and it would be great if he was to get an opportunity at a top side.'

The 52-year-old has led Ajax to two Eredivisie and KNVB Cup doubles, all while developing a reputation for playing progressive football.

Ten Hag (pictured) has enjoyed plenty of success in a five-year spell in charge of Ajax

Ajax have also enjoyed deep runs in European competition, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019. 

The club's policy of often selling their best players for significant fees has made it difficult for Ten Hag to help the team progress in Europe.

The likes of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek have all left the club for significant fees in recent years.