ERIK TEN HAG could return to Ajax if he is sacked by Manchester United, according to reports.
The under-fire boss could be axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the new chief plans to overhaul the club after a poor season.
Man Utd have made it to the FA Cup final – but results in the Champions League and Premier League have seen Ten Hag tipped for an exit.
The Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford could be up should they lose to Manchester City at Wembley and miss out on Europa League qualification with Newcastle hot on their heels.
Ten Hag’s former club Ajax are on the lookout for a new manager this summer and have drawn up a three-man shortlist.
Current boss John Van ‘t Schip has confirmed he will step down at the end of the season.
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He got the job on an interim basis after they sacked Maurice Steijn just 11 games into the season with the club inside the relegation zone.
Reports from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claim Ten Hag is Ajax’s first choice.
He is a popular figure there after winning three league titles in five years.
It is also claimed that the club are considering ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Nice gaffer Francesco Farioli.
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Potter has been out of work since he was sacked by the Blues a year ago.
He is said to be waiting for the right opportunity and he has reportedly gone to Amsterdam for talks with Ajax chiefs.
Meanwhile, Potter is on Ratcliffe’s shortlist to takeover at Man Utd.
SunSport exclusively revealed that England boss Gareth Southgate is also an option.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
