Erik ten Hag tipped to jump at ‘great Man Utd escape route’ with Old Trafford boss ‘at top of wanted list’

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag could be offered a sensational return to Ajax after a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag, 54, joined United from the Dutch giants in 2022 and enjoyed a successful maiden campaign as he won the Carabao Cup, made it to the FA Cup Final and qualified for the Champions League.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could return to Ajax in the summerAlamy

Ten Hag is Ajax’s top target but talks won’t take place before the FA Cup FinalGetty

However, this season has been completely different as the Red Devils finished last in their Champions League group and have officially missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The Dutch tactician has endured a raft of injuries woes and still managed to lead the Manchester giants to back-to-back FA Cup Finals but his future is still under immense doubt.

According to transfer expert Marcel van der Kraan, there is a “great escape route” lined up for Ten Hag as he could go back to Ajax where he won six trophies in five years.

However, no potential talks will take place before the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25.

Van der Kraan told the Trans Europe Express: “There is a great escape route for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.

“Ajax have had a dreadful season – they’ve had three managers, they’ve sacked the technical director Sven Mislintat, they’ve sacked the CEO and brought him back… They’ve sacked almost everyone they can think of and it’s been really dire.

“The CEO, the big man who was sacked only two weeks ago for suspected insider trading because he allegedly bought shares just before he was appointed is back on the scene as of on Friday afternoon.

“Alex Kroes, who started SEG [Sports Entertainment Group], look after Erik ten Hag, they have done for many years. This Alex Kroes is the new technical director of Ajax.

“Alex Kroes has got Erik ten Hag at the top of his wanted list. He is his man and will wait for him until the end of this month because by June 1st they have to appoint a manager or make a decision.

“He’s prepared to wait another month to see if Erik ten Hag will take the job on June 1st. Why until the end of May? Because on May 25th it’s the FA Cup Final and Ten Hag will not want to be disturbed with that question.

“But he knows about it, he knows there’s an open door at Ajax and he can be the manager of Ajax next season and try and win a title there again.”

Van der Kraan is also confident money won’t pose as an issue during potential talks with Ajax.

Instead, Ajax will have to sell a lucrative project to convince the United manager to return to Amsterdam and lead them back to success.

Van der Kraan added: “If we remember why Ten Hag came to Manchester United, money was never his motivation.

“Ten Hag comes from a family of millionaires, his father had a huge, huge empire in the east of Holland.

“I don’t think he’s ever had to worry about money and I don’t think one or two million more or less will make a difference for Erik.”

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.”