Report: Erik ten Hag Could Return to Ajax Amid Managerial Shortlist Consideration
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly among the final three candidates being considered for a potential return to Ajax ahead of the 2024/25 season, according to a report from the Netherlands.
Ten Hag is facing increasing pressure and scrutiny at Old Trafford following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign. United currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League and suffered early exits from both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Their advancement to the FA Cup final came after a narrow victory over Championship side Coventry City.
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With the recent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority shareholder and Jason Wilcox as technical director, rumors have swirled about Ten Hag’s future at United. Names like Thomas Tuchel and Zinedine Zidane have been linked with potentially taking over the managerial reins.
Now, Dutch outlet De Telegraaf suggests that Ten Hag might have the opportunity to return to his homeland this summer with former club Ajax.
Ajax has experienced a challenging season and failed to replicate the success achieved under Ten Hag’s previous tenure. With current head coach John van ‘t Schip set to depart in the summer, Ajax is unlikely to finish higher than fifth in the Eredivisie, marking their worst final league position since 2000.
During his previous stint at Ajax, Ten Hag enjoyed significant success, winning three consecutive Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups. He notably led the team to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final.
The other two candidates reportedly on Ajax’s radar are former Chelsea manager Graham Potter and Nice manager Francesco Farioli. Potter has been linked with the vacancy at the Johan Cruyff Arena for some time and has been without a club since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023. Farioli, in his debut season as a manager in one of Europe’s top five leagues, is aiming to guide Nice to Champions League qualification.