Football News

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been linked with a surprise return to Ajax with his future at Old Trafford uncertain.

Ajax have massively struggled since Ten Hag left to join Manchester United at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The current Red Devils boss was replaced by ex-Club Brugge manager Alfred Schreuder, who lasted six months.

After John Heitinga took charge of the rest of 22/23, Ajax brought in Maurice Steijn as Schreuder’s long-term successor.

Steijn – who found success at Sparta Rotterdam and NAC Breda beforehand – lasted even less time in the Dutch capital, taking charge of 11 matches, winning one in seven in the Eredivisie.

Having been in charge for 114 days, the 50-year-old’s replacement was John van ‘t Schip after Hedwiges Maduro managed and lost two games – including a 2-0 defeat at Brighton in the Europa League – as caretaker manager.

There is no doubt that Van ‘t Schip – who will not be in charge next season – has helped steady the ship, winning 14, drawing nine, and losing six, but Ajax are only fifth in the Eredivisie, six points off a Europa League spot with three games remaining.

Ajax have not finished lower than fourth in the Dutch top flight since the 99/00 campaign and have only finished fourth once since then.

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Ten Hag had a wonderful time for Ajax, managing the Dutch giants between 2017 and 2022, claiming three league titles and two KNVB Cups along the way, while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

The 54-year-old led Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, an FA Cup final, and glory in the Carabao Cup in his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

After what was deemed a

Maurice Steijn Club Brugge Ajax