Ajax are interested in reappointing Erik ten Hag but face an uphill battle in successfully executing a swoop for the under pressure Manchester United boss.
Reports in Holland indicating the Dutch giants, who are seeking to replace current interim boss John van’t Schip, have placed Ten Hag towards the top of their managerial shortlist have been verified to Mail Sport.
However, sources insist Ten Hag and his coaching team would be reluctant to walk away from Old Trafford in order to facilitate a return to the Dutch capital this summer, meaning Ajax’s hopes of landing their former boss are reliant on him being sacked.
Recently installed United part-owners INEOS will make a call on Ten Hag’s future at the end of the season amid growing uncertainty over his position following a largely disappointing season.
Ten Hag could still win a trophy with his side facing arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25, with no decision expected on his job until the Wembley showdown.
There is a willingness from the Ajax board to see how Ten Hag’s future develops before deciding on their next move, with former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter and Nice boss Francesco Farioli also among the other preferred candidates.
But even Ten Hag loses his job, there is acknowledgement the coach may prefer to seek an opportunity at one of Europe’s stronger leagues than return to Holland.
Having transformed Ajax into one of the most exciting teams in European football ahead of his departure in 2022, the iconic Dutch club have struggled during the post-Ten Hag era.
They are currently fifth in the Eredivisie, 35 points adrift of leaders PSV. They finished third last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, 13 points behind champions Feyenoord.
And the fact Ajax are in the midst of a transitional period is unlikely to appeal to Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, there are also said to be internal concerns at Ajax about any questions Ten Hag's re-appointment would raise with regards to their transfer business given his links to leading Holland-based player management agency SEG, who have been involved in a host of United deals since the Dutchman’s appointment ahead of last season.
The direction of Ajax's managerial search has been unclear following the suspension of chief executive Alex Kroes over allegations of insider trading.
But Kroes was reinstated at Ajax last week in a revised role as technical director and the administrator is understood to be among those keen to bring Ten Hag back this summer.
Intriguingly, Kroes is childhood friends with leading Dutch agent Kees Vos, who represents Ten Hag. Kroes and Vos set up talent agency SEG in 2000.
SUKHENDEBNATH
0
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻go🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Reeclnorsz
2
Any mentally upright fan can not let ETH leave the club. He has ignited many young talents. United is able to sale young talents expensively. players had lost value but see now.
Daphoenix23
2
We don’t know the coach we have in ETH, I know he won’t find it hard to land a good job cos clubs know his qualities. There’s nobody that watch that Ajax team of 2018-2022 that doesn’t know this coach is quality. The obvious truth is that the MAN UTD players are not good enough, they are hyped & spoilt by the club and media, have agents or family members doing their dirty talks online, lack respect and work ethic, that’s why you hear players complaining about coaching method, tactics and what have you. Like how do you expect this team to go forward with Trashford, Sancho, Mctominay, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot, Wan bissaka, Martial, Varane, (these are some of the players ETH inherited). Now ask yourself if any of these mentioned names can make the team at MAN CITY, Liverpool or Arsenal now? He brought in Casemiro, Lisandro, Eriksen, Antony and Malacia who all did well last season but this season have been bad generally with injuries and all kind of cases against Antony, drop in form from players, attitude issues and dressing room unrest. Likes of Hojlund, Garnnacho, Maino have been the only rare sight of hope this season If given one more season and the right players with the right attitude I belive this man will turn things around…. A lot of players need to go especially the so called old players who have been around for years with no improvement or achievements, so he can rebuild this team in the right direction. One thing is certain if we decide to sack him he won’t be short of options.
vuobeirsuz
1
he should leave an take his frenz onana and Anthony wit him. fucking up over beloved United. making us look average.
amadubelo1
2
A right thinking man utd fan will not be interested in ETH sacking but support him. This united were astonishing last season. most of our players who were the first eleven then are not really available now. The available ones now are not really bad but not good enough to play his system.
CITYZENCITY
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Not only must he go back to Ajax , he has to be arrested together with his inlaws Onana and Anthony bcoz what he and his accomplices did to our team is criminal .
lol 🤣🤣
Mapbikstyz
0
Abeg AJax come carry your belongings. we are done with it..
You are useless.
Mapbikstyz
3
We don't want him anymore he is ruining man u
wupaeiklpy
4
united should try to apoint amorion
kadkpsz
1
Not only must he go back to Ajax , he has to be arrested together with his inlaws Onana and Anthony bcoz what he and his accomplices did to our team is criminal .
Bouaeiosuy
3
He's not alone, he's with his goalkeeper (Banana), please take them even right now...
Emchi
2
No way. He's going nowhere!
jaudekoy
1
Man U will keep on struggling even if they hire two coach at a time
Zemabisyz
5
I hope next coming news will be Ten Haag wanted by Chelsea or Bayern. Man United must give this man some time.
Drexlar7
1
take him
kadkpsz
4
Well then he need to take Anthony with him back to their Ajax
doccdkpu
2
Good coach
S100K
4
ETH could still leave to Ajax with his darling boy, the famous spinner.
DtMuzikug
0
Lueadlruz
2
let's him go to ajax that's where he belongs
Zosempsy
1
Erik go to Hell😡😡🤮🤮🤮🤮
mio17
2
I don't think eth is the problem at man utd.. This is all about united players.. No discipline, no respect to the boss..
Nick090
0
Abeg AJax come carry your belongings. we are done with it..
Ericpascal95
2
well... another man's food is another man's poison
sinblorsuy
2
Useless coach
Nuuilotu
5
he shouldn't be sack but rather sell some of the players