Ten Hag set to be handed Man Utd escape route

Cameron Smith

• 29 Apr 2024 18:15 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is currently Ajax’s preferred choice to take over next season, according to reports.

The Dutchman left the Eredivisie giants to move to Old Trafford in 2022, but they are targeting a sensational return amid his uncertain future with the Red Devils.

Man Utd are currently sixth in the Premier League table and could add FA Cup glory later this season, but their form has been remarkably inconsistent in 2023-24 and many supporters believe Ten Hag isn’t the right man for the job.

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Their 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday confirmed that Man Utd will not qualify for next season’s Champions League, with Ten Hag and his squad all set to suffer pay cuts as a result.

Furthermore, the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe has heaped added pressure onto the Dutchman’s shoulders, with the British billionaire eager to see results following his minority stake purchase at Old Trafford.

Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate have all been linked with replacing Ten Hag at the helm, although Man Utd are yet to make a firm decision on who will be in charge next season.

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Ten Hag’s poor recruitment since joining Man Utd is also a source of concern for INEOS, FootballTransfers has been informed, with Ten Hag overseeing the arrivals of Casemiro and Antony - both of whom look like vast overpays as things stand.

Ajax want Erik ten Hag

According to TalkSPORT, Ten Hag is Ajax’s number one option to replace John van’t Schip at the Eredivisie giants.

Van’t Schip is Ajax’s third different manager so far this season, following a poor domestic campaign, and they have been linked with numerous different names ahead of the summer window.

The aforementioned Potter has been touted as a serious candidate, although the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration, despite the fact he has been without a job since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2023.