admin Erik ten Hag could be missing a key player for Manchester United. According to one report, the temptation to join a particular club can be too great to ignore.
Ten Hag had a number of issues that needed to be resolved at the start of the 2023/34 season. However, news from the Netherlands suggests that the Manchester United manager could soon lose someone with whom he has “strong ties” at Old Trafford.
It was a solemn start to the season for Ten Hag’s former club Ajax. The Dutch giants are used to competing with Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven at the top of the Eredivisie, but they are noticeably languishing in 16th place after 18 games after six games.
New manager Maurice Stein replaced John Heitinga in the summer, but it was a nightmare start.
Ajax have only won two of their first 10 games in all competitions, but enthusiasm for Stein is already rising.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf recently reported that Ajax Amsterdam interim CEO Jan van Hulst is already making secret plans as to who else will represent the club on the sidelines.
Ajax are reportedly keeping an eye on Mitchell van der Gaag, who is Ten Hag’s assistant coach at Old Trafford.
The 51-year-old Dutchman is one of Ten Hag’s two assistants alongside Steve McLaren. Van der Gaag has previously managed various clubs in Portugal and the Netherlands, but has been working under Ten Hag since becoming Ajax’s assistant in 2021.
However, according to the latest edition of Soccer News, Van der Gaag is ready to spread his wings and leave Man United if Ajax come calling.
Van der Gaag ready to leave Man United?
Outlet Van der Gaag wants to ‘set higher goals’ and wants to stay in second place forever Not satisfied.
He is therefore now said to be “positive to stand on his feet again” and Ajax is “one of the clubs that could persuade him”.
Such an appointment at Ajax would have similarities to Ten Hag’s hiring decision in 2017.
This appointment was the biggest in ten Hag’s career at the time, and it will be the same for Van der Gaag in 2023. Ten Hag helped Ajax win six major titles, including three league titles, during his four and a half years at the club.
The possibility of losing Van der Gaag clearly hinges on the loss of Ajax Stein, but this scenario seems very likely if the club’s results don’t improve soon.
