Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is increasingly uncertain amid a worrying season at Old Trafford, with the club potentially falling below the 7th-place mark for the first time in the Premier League era.
The Dutchman enjoyed a stunning first season at the club, guiding his side back to the Champions League by way of a third-place finish and ending United’s six-year wait for silverware.
His second campaign has been far from a success, with the season plagued by injuries, off-pitch drama and a dysfunctional side on the pitch.
United have fallen far adrift of the Champions League hopefuls and their only hope of any success this season is the FA Cup, with a semi-final awaiting them this weekend.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently acquired 25% of the club and as part of the deal, he has complete control of the club’s football operations.
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag is in Ratcliffe’s plans beyond this summer but the British billionaire has already begun making wholesale changes at an executive level.
Amid speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future, it is now being reported that he could be in the frame for another job in Europe if his time at Old Trafford comes to an end.
Speaking to Soccer News, via Sport Witness, Dutch football expert Mike Verweij has revealed that Ten Hag has emerged as a potential candidate for the Ajax job this summer.
As per the reporter, Ajax are on the lookout for a new manager going into next season and they will prioritise a move for Ten Hag if he is available.
“Ten Hag is still the dream candidate, but they are also working on a plan B, C and D If Ten Hag says ‘no’, they do want something else. There are also talks with a foreign candidate now,” Verweij is quoted as saying.
The mood around United has drastically changed in the last month, with Ten Hag no longer having the near-unanimous support he had earlier.
United are frustrating on the pitch and it is not looking like the tide is turning anytime soon. Hopefully, Ten Hag can get his side over the finish line this season and end the season on a high.
There is no guarantee that a trophy will be enough to save his job as Ratcliffe’s intentions remain unclear. It will not be long before the situation is cleared up, however.
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