Varun Pai
Manchester United handed blow by Barcelona as they plot to appoint Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag
According to The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t The Metro], Manchester United have been joined by Barcelona in the race to appoint AFC Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag.
The Blaugrana club sacked Ronald Koeman on Wednesday night after the club’s defeat to Rayo Vallecano. That loss left the Nou Camp outfit with just 15 points out of the first 10 league games of the season.
Moreover, the style of play was dry, and their performances in the Champions League were not inspiring either. However, they are now on the lookout for a new manager and Barcelona legend Xavi is deemed to be the favourite to land the job.
While the current Al Sadd SC boss could become a decent manager, the Spanish outfit also have a relatively more experienced coach in mind in the form of Erik Ten Hag.
The Dutchman’s playing style and his management of Ajax in the last couple of years has garnered interest from several clubs and perhaps the 5-time European Champions could try their luck with him.
However, if they choose to do so, it will be a blow for Man United. The Red Devils also have a managerial issue, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fighting on thin ice to save his job. The discouraging displays for over a month notched up to a level when Liverpool ripped them apart recently.
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Although the Norwegian remains in the hot seat, other managers like Ten Hag have been identified as potential replacements to the 48-year-old. There is a lot of young talent at Old Trafford currently–a club profile the Dutch manager identifies with and knows how to develop.
Thus, United must do everything in their power to lure the Ajax boss out of Amsterdam if they are to get back to the top of English football again and keep him away from Barcelona’s candidates to replace Koeman at the same time.
