Erik ten Hag could do Manchester United a massive favour if he leaves the club this summer by attempting to re-sign some of the current members of his squad elsewhere. The Dutch manager is often keen to continue working with certain players who are familiar with his methods and tactics.
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The Red Devils are expected to shake up their ranks significantly over the summer, both on and off the pitch. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hopeful of injecting fresh quality into his newly acquired squad with several marquee arrivals anticipated.
United are keen to rebuild their backline at the end of the season as well, with Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane both expected to move on. New signings are also anticipated in the final third, with the higher powers at the club making it no secret that they feel that the squad is in need of a second-choice striker to support Rasmus Hojlund.
However, there is also uncertainty around Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford. The Dutchman is under mounting pressure to keep his job after another unconvincing campaign with United and Ratcliffe is said to be considering bringing in his own manager to be the face of his project.
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According to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, Ajax would be keen to bring Ten Hag back to the Eredivisie if the opportunity did present itself over the summer – having recently been rejected by former Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
The 54-year-old is viewed as the ‘dream manager target’ at the Johan Cruyff Arena and he could therefore walk straight into a new job if United do decide to part ways with him this summer. Ten Hag could also provide the Red Devils with a significant helping hand in the transfer market if he does return to the Eredivisie.
Ten Hag has shown during his time at United that he is keen to continue working with the familiar faces when he joins a new side, as shown by how he urged United to sign the likes of Antony and Lisandro Martinez over the past few years. Therefore, the higher powers at the Theatre of Dreams may be hopeful that Ten Hag does not buck that trend when he returns to Ajax and will push for some of his current fringe stars to follow in his footsteps and head to Holland.
The likes of Antony, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia would all fit the bill as players who Ten Hag are particularly fond of but also could leave United this summer, and therefore deals could be struck over the summer for their services. Youngsters who are also on the fringes of the Red Devils first-team could also find themselves become the subject of loan interest from Ajax too.
