Erik ten Hag held talks about a return to management last week – but the ex-Manchester United head coach has since turned down the opportunity to return to a former club
Former Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has turned down the chance to make an emotional return to Ajax, it has been claimed.
The 55-year-old, who has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen on September 1, has been linked with a return to the dugout in recent weeks.
Ten Hag was tipped to replace Vitor Pereira and become the next Wolves manager, but he had reservations about taking over at the West Midlands club and rejected that opportunity.
Soon after, it was then reported that Ten Hag met with Ajax’s technical director Ted Kroes for a ‘planned coffee’ amid increasing speculation around John Heitinga’s future at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Once Ajax made the decision to sack Heitinga following last Wednesday’s 3-0 drubbing at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League, it seemed clear that Ten Hag was the ideal candidate to become their next manager.
However, NOS and AD have reported that Ten Hag has now declined the chance to take charge of Ajax. It’s added that he held further talks with Kroes over the prospect of returning to the Amsterdam club.
According to AD, Ten Hag expressed concern over the uncertain nature of the club’s hierarchy. Despite trying to convince Ten Hag to return, Kroes has since resigned from his position following the dismissal of Heitinga.
Last month, it was confirmed that Danny Blind, father of former United and now Girona defender Daley Blind, would also be stepping down from his role as technical commissioner.
Ten Hag spent four years at the Amsterdam giants, winning three Eredivisie titles and recording an impressive 73 per cent win rate before quitting to join United in May 2022.
The Dutchman went on to lose his job at Old Trafford in October 2024, despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and recording a third-place finish in his first season.
Reflecting on his two-and-a-half years at United, Ten Hag told the SEG Stories podcast back in February: “If there’s one thing I miss, it’s Old Trafford. We had many highs, but as I always say, there is always room for improvement. Good is not enough. You can do better.”
After spending nine months out of work, Ten Hag returned to the dugout and replaced Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. But, despite managing just three Bundesliga matches, winning one, drawing one and losing one, Ten Hag was brutally sacked in September.
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a manager after just two league matches is unprecedented,” Ten Hag said following Leverkusen’s decision to axe him after three league fixtures.
“This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust.
“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.
“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
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2025-11-11 17:07:00
