Daley Blind is hopeful Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can propel Manchester United back into the Champions League.
United face neighbours Manchester City in a huge derby clash on Wednesday, with their top-four hopes still alive despite a 4-0 hammering at Everton on Sunday.
Blind, who signed for United in 2014, left Old Trafford to return to Ajax in the close season, and has become a crucial figure for Erik ten Hag s side in their surprise progression to the Champions League semi-finals.
And, speaking after a 4-2 win over Vitesse which took Ajax three points clear at the top of the Eredivisie, Blind believes his former club are on the right track under Solskjaer despite a run of poor results.
When Solskjaer was appointed, there was a fresh positivity, Blind, who is still in touch with several United players, told reporters.
They started well, but now they dropped a bit. Hopefully they find their way to the top again, so they can qualify for the Champions League.
I m still a United fan, so I hope they re back in business soon.
Some guys send me compliments. Juan Mata, [Anthony] Martial, and these are very nice things to hear. I still have a strong connection with these lads, like Ashley Young. They re such great guys. I had a good time there.
United s Premier League rivals Tottenham await Ajax in the last four the Champions League, with ex-Ajax stars Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez in line to face their old club.
I m looking forward to it. It s going to be a fantastic game, Blind added.
Happy birthday, !
We ll meet next week
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax)
I m delighted that I m going to meet my old team-mates. To meet each other in the semi-finals of the Champions League, who would have thought that in advance?
I think every person in Amsterdam has set their mind on this game. I speak with Jan from time to time. We get along quite well, on and off the pitch. So it s going to be so much fun to meet again on the pitch.
