Man United manager Erik ten Hag refuses to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech after defeating Chelsea

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refused to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech but insisted the Chelsea winger must “play every week”.

Some Blues fans were left unhappy when Ten Hag exchanged a few words and hugged Ziyech, whom he mentored 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 Netherlands full-back Tyrell Malacia before heading down the tunnel.

When asked about his conversation with Ziyech, Ten Hag later told Viaplay, “It’s between Hakim and me.” We’ve been through a lot of beautiful things together. 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 on for a brief guest appearance in the final 10 minutes.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with Hakim Ziyech after defeating Chelsea

The couple exchanged a few words and hugged as they left the pitch together on Thursday night

The Moroccan Chelsea winger came on for a brief guest appearance in the last ten minutes

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

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

The 30-year-old was close to joining PSG in the January transfer window before the move fell through.

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

“He has to play every week,” said Ten Hag.

“A footballer like that has to be on the pitch in the prime of his life.”