Erik ten Hag ‘assumes he will be Man Utd boss next year’ but reveals he’d like to return to Ajax
ERIK TEN HAG believes he will be in charge of Manchester United next season despite mounting pressure.
The under-fire boss is in danger of losing his job as new chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to overhaul the club.
A poor end to the Premier League season and defeat in the FA Cup final to Manchester City could reportedly spell the end for Ten Hag.
He has been linked with a return to his former club Ajax, who are searching for a new manager this summer with John van’t Schip stepping down.
And speaking to ViaPlay, Ten Hag refused to rule out a return to his former club.
He said: “Contacts with Ajax? No. In the future, why not? It’s a fascinating club. I had great time there.”
But the Dutchman is not expecting a move back to his homeland ahead of next season.
Ten Hag added: “I assume that I will be Manchester United manager next year.
“I signed a long-term deal consciously and I am not a person who walks away.”
Ten Hag has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford – but Ratcliffe could axe him 12 months early.
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SunSport exclusively revealed that ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England gaffer Gareth Southgate are in the running to take over.
Reports also suggest that Thomas Tuchel is a candidate as he is set to quit Bayern Munich.
As for Ajax, they have supposedly held talks with Potter and approached Nice boss Francesco Farioli.
But Ten Hag, who won three Eredivisie titles in five years at the club, is their first choice option.
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.”