‘He should go with that banana’ – Van der Vaart tells Ten Hag to take Man Utd job… and ‘throw out’ uncooperative stars
RAFAEL VAN DER VAART has told Erik ten Hag to hurry up and take the Manchester United job.
And the 109-cap Netherlands international called on his compatriot to "throw out" any uncooperative stars at Old Trafford.
The current Ajax boss has already had an interview to succeed Ralf Rangnick in the summer.
And reports this week suggest a "verbal agreement" has been reached between Ten Hag and United.
All that remains is for the Red Devils need to negotiate a compensation package with Ajax.
And Van der Vaart urged the incoming boss to waste no time in signing the contract.
READ MORE
The former playmaker, who came through the youth ranks at Ajax, told : "You read reports that he is keeping Manchester United waiting.
"If Ten Hag receives such an offer, he should not even think about it and go with that banana.
"That's an impression. You have to stay a little humble.
"He is a great trainer, he did a great job at Ajax.
Most read in Football
"But Manchester United or the big clubs, don't let them wait."
Assuming Ten Hag does take the Old Trafford gig, he will have his work cut out trying to get an underperforming squad firing.
A number of senior stars have failed to deliver this season with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo falling below their expected standards.
And Van de Vaart warned the high-profile players it will be Ten Hag's way or the highway.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid man added: "As a player you no longer have any arguments. Coaches have been sent away and they have a great squad, but they play really badly.
"It's not always the coach's fault. Now there will be a trainer who will be very clear.
"You can say: Ten Hag is not the big name in England. That may also be an advantage because he is going to give his plan very clearly.
"If you don't cooperate, you will likely be thrown out."