Erik ten Hag speaks out on Manchester United sack rumours and responds to Ajax speculation

Erik ten Hag insists he is focused on preparing for next season with Manchester United despite uncertainty over his future and claims about a possible return to Ajax.

As previously reported by the Manchester Evening News, Ineos Group are understood to have analysed potential replacements for Ten Hag should they decide a change of manager is required in the coming months. The 54-year-old has had an underwhelming second season at Old Trafford, and recent results have done nothing to help ease the pressure.

But as well as being linked with an Old Trafford exit, Ten Hag has also been linked with a return to former club Ajax. The Dutchman left Amsterdam for Manchester in 2022, after a five-year stint where he landed three Eredivisie titles and took the club to the brink of the 2018/19 Champions League final.

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But during an interview with Dutch publication Voetbal Zone, Ten Hag played down the prospect of returning to the Johan Cruyff Arena, as well playing down the prospect of him leaving Old Trafford this summer.

He said: “The fact is that I still have a contract here for another year. I signed consciously and am not a person who walks away. So, I assume that I will be at Manchester United next season. Has there been any contact with Ajax? No.”

But at the same time, Ten Hag didn't rule out a move back to Amsterdam in the future. He said: “Why not? I had a very good period at Ajax and was able to work there in a very pleasant way. It is a fascinating club, with many possibilities."

Before he added: “I have never said anything else. Nor