Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag tipped to return to former club with manager facing sack

Erik ten Hag is being touted for an emotional return to Ajax - just weeks after the former Manchester United manager was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen following their first two games of the new Bundesliga season.

Ten Hag lasted less than four months overall with the former German champions, who selected the Dutchman as their successor to Xabi Alonso. He failed to win either of his two league games at the helm, though, before the club confirmed he was being relieved of his duties; a decision that Ten Hag later blasted as "unprecedented" in a strongly-worded statement.

The 55-year-old has seen his reputation take a significant hint over the last 12 months, with his swift exit at Leverkusen following on from his sacking at Manchester United last October. But his struggles in the Premier League and Germany have seemingly not done his chances of a return to Ajax any harm, with De Telegraaf saying such a move could be a possibility come January.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim makes massive change to Man Utd team for must-win Sunderland clash

READ MORE: Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim makes brutal admission over his future ahead of Sunderland clash

Ten Hag's former club are currently managed by John Heitinga, who has them third in the Eredivisie and has yet to lose in seven league games this term. But Ajax have lost both of their games in the Champions League against Inter Milan and Marseille and some fans are already calling for a change.

While Ajax's top brass are currently reluctant to act, growing fan unrest, coupled with some underwhelming performances, could force their hand, with Ten Hag seemingly an option to step in.

It's noted that Ten Hag would be open to managing Ajax again after leaving the club to join Manchester United almost three-and-a-half years ago. Intriguingly, he was heavily linked with a return to Amsterdam before taking up an offer from Leverkusen earlier this year as the club sought a new head coach.

The club's technical director, Alex Kroes, confirmed there was interest in Ten Hag back in May, saying: "Erik ten Hag has been on the list for a long time. He is well-known, he did a fantastic job when he was here.

"I spoke to him briefly on Sunday. He was in the Arena as a spectator,"

Ten Hag enjoyed a hugely successful four-year spell with Ajax before landing the Manchester United job, winning three league titles and two domestic cups. He also took the club deep into the Champions League in 2019, reaching the semi-finals before Ajax succumbed to Tottenham over two legs.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.