Erik ten Hag responds to Ajax rumours after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest move

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to recent rumours linking him to his former club Ajax if he departs Old Trafford.

It is no secret that Ten Hag’s future at United is not secure. The manager has had a difficult second season in charge, and the change in ownership also creates further questions.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already made large changes at the club, including bringing in their own people for roles such as the technical director (Jason Wilcox) and CEO (Omar Berrada).

One rumour that has sparked in recent weeks is the possibility for Ten Hag to return to Ajax if he departs United.

The Eredivisie club and Ten Hag have a great relationship. He was one of their most successful managers in recent years and earned the United job off the back of some impressive seasons in the Netherlands.

Ten Hag addresses Ajax speculation

Speaking to Viaplay, Ten Hag assured that he would not walk away from his Old Trafford role and stated that he had zero contact with Ajax.

“I signed my contract, and I am not a person who walks away,” explained Ten Hag. “So I assume that I will be at Manchester United next season.”

However, the Dutch manager left the door open for an eventual return to Amsterdam. Asked whether he sees himself returning one day, he replied: “Yes, why not? I had a very good period at Ajax.

“I was able to work there in a very pleasant way. It is a fascinating club with many possibilities.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest move

Whilst Ten Hag seems desperate to stay at Old Trafford, the decision is ultimately out of his hands, and Ratcliffe and his team appear to be assessing their options.

Interestingly, after weeks of rumours with Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, reliable reports from England have echoed that possibility.

The Times has explained that the German manager is now on the list at Old Trafford, with the reporter Matt Lawton being extremely reliable for INEOS-related news.

Tuchel will be focusing on his Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid but it seems a real possibility that there will be discussions between INEOS and the former Chelsea boss, whose way of working suits the kind of regime that is being made at Old Trafford.