RAFAEL VAN DER VAART took a surprise shot at Erik ten Hag on Dutch television yesterday when he said the manager “Is doing his best to become available”.
It came as former Real Madrid and Spurs star Van der Vaart discussed Ajax’s managerial options with former Barcelona and Stoke winger Ibrahim Afellay.
Ajax have had a disastrous season and find themselves fifth in the Dutch league.
When discussing how to rectify the club’s situation, Afellay said: “Ajax need to give the club back in the hands of trusted people.
“If they just wait a little longer, there is a big chance Erik ten Hag will become available.”
Van der Vaart then cheekily added: “Well, Erik ten Hag himself is doing his best too to become available.”
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The comment comes as Ten Hag finds himself coming under increasing pressure at United.
His position has been insecure since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United, with Ratcliffe refusing to publicly back Ten Hag.
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Saturday’s 1-1 draw with relegation battlers Burnley leaves United in sixth, one point ahead of Newcastle with the two teams still to play each other.
Should they be overhauled by the Geordies, United will be facing Europa Conference League qualification at best through the league.
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They could still secure a Europa League spot if they win the FA Cup, but even reaching the final of that competition was achieved in embarrassing fashion.
The club gave away a three goal lead to Championship Coventry in the semi-final and needed penalties to reach the final.
Dutch reports claim that Erik ten Hag is Ajax’s top target should he leave United at the end of this season.
Ten Hag had a wildly successful spell in charge in Amsterdam between 2017 and 2022 where he won the Dutch league three times and reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
It comes as United are reportedly considering both England boss Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter should the club part ways with Ten Hag at the end of the season.
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
