Reports are swirling as Eredivisie giants Ajax consider re-approaching Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag for a potential return to the Dutch club. The 54-year-old Ten Hag departed Ajax prior to the 2022/23 season to take charge at Old Trafford. Despite initial success with United, recent struggles have prompted speculation about his future.
Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United began on a high note, clinching the Carabao Cup and securing a third-place finish in the Premier League. However, this season has seen a decline in performance, with disappointing exits from various competitions and a sixth-place position in the league.
Meanwhile, Ajax has also faced challenges, cycling through five different managers since Ten Hag’s departure and currently sitting fifth in the Eredivisie. Interim boss John van ‘t Schip has maintained a decent record but is expected to be replaced in the summer.
According to Football Insider, Ajax’s board, led by CEO Alex Kroes, is eager to bring Ten Hag back to the club. The pressure on Ten Hag at Manchester United coupled with Ajax’s desire for stability could pave the way for a reunion.
However, concerns have arisen regarding Ten Hag’s alleged favoritism towards players represented by the Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), an agency with strong ties to Ajax’s leadership. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new co-owner of Manchester United, reportedly harbors concerns about SEG’s influence and its impact on player signings and sales during Ten Hag’s tenure. The player represented by SEG include Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat and Antony.
The Stakes for Both Clubs
As the speculation continues, the fate of both Ten Hag and Manchester United hangs in the balance. Qualifying for the Champions League remains crucial for the Red Devils, with star midfielder Bruno Fernandes emphasizing the team’s determination to improve their position in the league table.
“It is actually,” Fernandes affirmed when asked about the importance of upcoming matches. “Obviously we know that this season is not being as good as we want, so we want to improve as much as we can until the end of the season.”
With Ajax eyeing a potential reunion with Ten Hag and Manchester United striving for Champions League qualification, the upcoming months promise to be pivotal for both clubs and their respective leaders.