Given his uncertain future at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has been linked to a return to his old team, Ajax, though the Dutchman is unlikely to be enthusiastic about the prospect.
Erik ten Hag is believed to be against a return to Ajax if he’s sacked by Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is reportedly reluctant to go back to Ajax because he is unsure of his future at Old Trafford.
The 54-year-old Dutchman was drawn to United in the summer of 2022 after enjoying a fruitful four-year tenure in Amsterdam. Three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups were won by the former Utrecht manager in four and a half seasons at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Ten Hag had an outstanding debut season in England, but he has encountered many difficulties this season, which could cause United to record their lowest Premier League finish ever. Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the head of Ineos, assumed control of the club’s sporting operations, speculation regarding Ten Hag’s future has run wild.
After their own setbacks this season, Ajax is expected to welcome Ten Hag back, according to a recent Mirror report. Ten Hag is understood to be hesitant to step down from his current position and go back to the Netherlands, though.
Ajax will monitor his circumstances in the event that he becomes available. It’s unclear if Ten Hag would consider returning to the team after being fired by United, but rumors have it that he would probably look for a position in one of the top leagues in Europe.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a big decision on his hands this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag could still win something this season despite United’s difficult Premier League journey. He led the team to the FA Cup final and avoided a disastrous semi-final matchup with Coventry City, which was decided on penalties after the Red Devils threw away a three-goal lead. But fans might not feel very confident going into a championship match against Manchester City, who have won six of their last seven derby matches.
Regarding the manager’s future, Ratcliffe and the other Ineos executives are holding their peace until after the Wembley match next month. But eventually Ratcliffe and Ten Hag will have to face off after waiting patiently for rumors about other contenders to surface regarding his position to spread.
Ten Hag has refuted the rumors, but he is urging the supporters to remain composed after his team’s Saturday 1-1 draw with Burnley was met with a chorus of jeers. United’s last clean sheet was on March 9 and they have only won one of their last eight games during the full 90 minutes.
Ten Hag bemoaned after the Old Trafford game, “We have some very young players, and that is why we built this club back, and that takes time.” “Every year, the Premier League grows more competitive and intense. They are all in its inaugural season. It takes time for those players to adjust.
Ten Hag could be booted from Old Trafford despite potentially lifting silverware in both his seasons at the helm (Image: Getty Images)
“We need patience, but I’m very impatient. Even the best Manchester United teams take time to develop, but everyone forgets—even the players—that they struggled and needed time to get better.”
