Man United boss Erik ten Hag refuses to reveal his conversation with Hakim Ziyech after the win over Chelsea

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

Some Blues fans were not happy with Ten Hag sharing a few words and hugging Ziyech, whom he managed during his time at Ajax, as they left the pitch after United beat Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Moroccan international also exchanged shirts with United’s Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia before heading into the tunnel.

When asked about his conversation with Ziyech, Ten Hag later told Viaplay: ‘That’s between me and Hakim. We have experienced many things together, beautiful things. 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 off the bench for a brief cameo appearance in the last 10 minutes.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with Hakim Ziyech after the win over Chelsea

The couple shared a few words and hugged as they walked off the court together Thursday night.

Chelsea’s Moroccan winger came off the bench for a brief cameo in the last 10 minutes

Ziyech was part of the Ajax team led by Ten Hag that won the Eredivisie and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

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

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

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

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

A footballer like this, in the best moment of his life, must be on the field.