Ajax are reportedly keen on reappointing current Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag as the Dutch club seek to replace interim coach John van’t Schip, according to Football Insider.
Alex Kroes, Ajax CEO, is reportedly keen to bring Ten Hag back to the club and is set to approach the 54-year-old about the possibility of taking up the soon-to-be vacant position.
There are strong links between the Manchester United manager and the Ajax CEO through the pair’s relationship with the agency group Sports Entertainment Agency. Not only is Kroes a co-founder of SEG, but the group also represents Ten Hag and currently employs his son Nigel.
Several of Ten Hag’s signings as Manchester United manager are currently represented by SEG, including players such as Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Anthony. Many player sales during the Dutchman’s tenure have also been negotiated by the agency. It is reported by Football Insider that this relationship has caused concerns from the new ownership at Manchester United due to potential favouritism towards SEG clients.
Is Ten Hag likely to leave Manchester United?
Despite a good debut season which saw the Dutchman end the club’s six-year trophy drought and achieve a top-four finish, United have struggled to build on last season’s success.
With the Red Devils currently six points off the Champions League positions, speculation has been surrounding the future of the former Ajax manager. It has been reported by Pete O’Rourke that United’s club chiefs have found the club’s elimination from the Champions League and their frequent below-par performances this season unacceptable.
As a result, questions have been asked about whether Ten Hag is the long-term solution for the 20-time champions of England. It is claimed that Dan Ashworth, who is rumoured to be coming in as sporting director, is currently working with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to identify potential alternative options to replace Ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.
One name that has been linked is current Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has reportedly been named as the stand-out candidate to replace the Dutchman.
The current Premier League boss will have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of this season and has reportedly been given until May to prove himself to the new hierarchy before a final decision on his future is made.