“I don’t care what happens in Liverpool” – Erik ten Hag makes emphatic claim about Manchester United’s top-4 race

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is focusing on his own side in their race for a top-four finish with Liverpool.

The Red Devils beat Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (May 20). Casemiro scored a brilliant goal in the ninth minute to secure the win for the visitors.

Liverpool, meanwhile, only played out a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Anfield. The departing Roberto Firmino equalised for the hosts in the 89th minute after Jacob Ramsey had given Villa the lead in the 27th minute.

Following the two results, Manchester United remain fourth in the Premier League. However, they now have a three-point lead over fifth-placed Reds with a game in hand.

After his team's win over Bournemouth, Ten Hag was asked about staying updated on the Merseysiders' score. He replied (via @UtdPlug):

“I don't care what happens in Liverpool; it's about us. We have to do the job.”

The Reds have had a disappointing season overall, as they will end the campaign trophyless, having competed for a quadruple last time. However, they won their last seven games before drawing against Villa to get into the top-four race.

However, Manchester United are in pole position to secure UEFA Champions League football Third-placed Newcastle United are also level on points with the Red Devils but are ahead on goal difference.

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Liverpool and Manchester United target open to staying at current club

Reported Liverpool and Manchester United target Jurrien Timber has opened up about his future at Ajax beyond this season. As per Metro, the Dutch defender has attracted interest from both Premier League giants.

Timber was also linked with the Red Devils last summer but chose to stay at Ajax to improve his chances of featuring at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Speaking about his future beyond the ongoing season, the 21-year-old said that he has spoken to Ajax's football director Sven Mislintat.

Speaking about interest in him from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, Timber said:

"I’m now in the same situation as last year. I don’t know yet if I’m going to make that step now. I’m glad I’m at Ajax. You can always show yourself here. It’s not like I’m gone if we don’t play the Champions League. Ajax remains Ajax. What I look at: if I leave, is the whole picture correct? I also know how important the coach and the guys around you are."

He added:

"I assume that next season will be better. With or without me, Ajax usually gets it back on track. I understand the guys who think: if a top club comes, I will go. It is also difficult to say no. Only, I don’t have that at all. In my case everything is still open. Quite a lot is happening in the background in terms of interest. I will soon see what the concrete options are."

Timber can play as a centre-back or right-back and has made 119 senior appearances for Ajax.