Man Utd brace themselves for raid on staff as Ten Hag's future hangs in balance

13 October 2023 , 21:16

417     0

Man Utd brace themselves for raid on staff as Ten Hag's future hangs in balance

Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag has been identified by Ajax as a potential successor to head coach Maurice Steijn, whose position is in jeopardy.

Van der Gaag, 51, previously worked in Amsterdam under Erik ten Hag but joined the Dutchman in making the switch to Old Trafford last summer. Ten Hag enjoyed a moderate level of succession during his maiden year in England but is under pressure this term after overseeing United's worst start to a season in over three decades.

Ajax haven't fared well since the departure of their former boss, either and are currently 16th in the Eredivisie after winning just one of their six league games so far this term - a run of results that has left Steijn on the brink.

Louis van Gaal, who has previously worked for both United and Ajax, is back with the Dutch giants in an advisory role and would recommend hiring Van der Gaag if the board do elect to make a managerial change in the coming days, according to The Athletic.

Such a development would be a major blow for Ten Hag, whose own position is far from secure. The Old Trafford chief will be under significant pressure to turn United's form around after the international break both in the Premier League and in Europe.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

United have lost four of their opening eight league games to leave them well off the pace in 10th position. And things are even bleaker in the Champions League, where they are bottom of Group A after losing their opening two group games against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

Join the debate! What have you made of Man Utd's summer signings? Let us know here.

Erik ten Hag's assistant, Mitchell van der Gaag, could be targeted by Ajax in the coming weeks (Michael Regan/The FA)

Ten Hag himself as spoken out on the pressure he has been under. Speaking after a chastening 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace earlier this month, he said: "It's a bad start. We have to catch up and do better. This is not good enough.

"Of course, it's frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. It's frustrating but for us, as well, the players and for me. We have to stay together, fight together and get better and make sure we get improvement."

United resume their domestic campaign with a trip to struggling Sheffield United next weekend. They then face FC Copenhagen in a must-win match if they are to have any hope of qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase.

Dan Marsh