Ajax Coach Erik ten Hag Worried as Club Eyes Man Utd Assistant for Recruitment
Ajax, one of the most successful football clubs in the Netherlands, is facing a challenging season and is now eyeing Manchester United assistant coach Mitchell van der Gaag as their potential new manager. This news comes as a blow to Ajax’s current coach, Erik ten Hag, who has been working closely with van der Gaag since they moved to Old Trafford together in 2022.
Van der Gaag has an impressive coaching background, having worked with Jong Ajax from 2019 to 2021 and held managerial positions at clubs such as Maritimo and Belenenses in Portugal. He then returned to the Netherlands and took charge of Excelsior and NAC. His experience and expertise make him an attractive candidate for Ajax as they look to rebuild and move on from a disappointing season.
Currently sitting fifth in the Eredivisie table, Ajax is a staggering 31 points behind league leaders PSV. The club’s struggles have prompted them to consider a change in management, and van der Gaag seems to be their preferred choice. Although experienced coach John van ‘t Schip is currently in charge on an interim basis, it is unlikely that he will remain as manager next season.
For ten Hag, losing van der Gaag would be a significant blow. The coach is already dealing with a period of transition at Manchester United, as the club undergoes a complete overhaul of its football decision-makers under new co-owners. Losing a trusted colleague during this time of change could create further challenges for ten Hag.
However, the uncertainty surrounding ten Hag’s own future at Manchester United adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Rumors are swirling about whether he will still be in charge next season, as Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team evaluate their options. Manchester United’s performance this season has been underwhelming, with 11 Premier League losses and a sixth-place position in the table. However, a recent win over Liverpool has secured them a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals against Championship side Coventry City. If ten Hag can finish the season by lifting a trophy, it may improve his chances of retaining his position.
Ultimately, Ajax’s interest in van der Gaag highlights their determination to turn their fortunes around next season. As they prepare for a rebuilding phase, securing a skilled and experienced manager like van der Gaag could be a step in the right direction. However, the potential departure of van der Gaag from Manchester United adds to the uncertainty surrounding ten Hag’s future at the club. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold and what the future holds for both coaches.
In the world of football, change is inevitable, and clubs must adapt to survive. Ajax finds itself at a crossroads, and their decision regarding their new manager will play a crucial role in shaping their future. As fans eagerly await further updates, one thing is certain: Ajax is determined to reclaim their former glory and become a force to be reckoned with once again.