FOOTBALL Is Erik ten Hag's return to Ajax on cards as Manchester United struggle continues?

Amid Manchester United's struggles, speculation grows over Erik ten Hag's potential return to Ajax, where he once found success.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds himself at a crossroads as the club struggles through a turbulent start to the season.

After a summer of high-profile investments, including the permanent signings of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund, expectations were sky-high at Old Trafford.

However, a meager nine points from their first seven Premier League matches and consecutive losses in the Champions League have cast a dark cloud over Ten Hag's tenure. The pressure is mounting, and rumors are swirling about his future.

Former Ajax striker Kenneth Perez, speaking to ESPN's Voetbalpraat, couldn't help but ponder the possibility of Ten Hag's return to his former club if he were to be dismissed by Manchester United.

"Imagine if Erik ten Hag were fired, would it be very crazy for Ajax to ask him back? Manchester United is known for the fact that things can get difficult if things don't go well. Then it's not a crazy idea, is it?, Perez mused as per Sport Bible.

Journalist Willem Vissers shared his skepticism about Ten Hag's prospects at Manchester United, stating, "I think that in the end it just won't work, that whole project of his there. I don't think he will be a coach there for much longer."

As speculation continues to mount, Ten Hag himself has been quizzed about his future following a disheartening performance against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Addressing the situation, Ten Hag remarked, "Last season: brilliant, terrific, more than we could expect, but also when we went into this project we knew there would be common gaps, and in this moment, we are in a very difficult period, as everyone can see. But we come out together, we are fighting together, we are sticking together, behind each other, it's me, the directors, the team, all together, we will fight, and this is not us. We know we have to do better, and in togetherness, we will come out."

With the rumor mill buzzing and the pressure escalating, the question that looms large is, where will Erik ten Hag go if Manchester United decides to part ways with their embattled manager? The prospect of a return to Ajax, where he enjoyed previous success, is an intriguing one.

Ten Hag's history at Ajax is marked by triumph and an attractive style of football that resonated with fans and pundits alike. The idea of a homecoming to Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena could be a tempting proposition for both parties. However, it remains speculative at this point, and Ten Hag's future in the Premier League hangs in the balance.

The Manchester United board faces a tough decision, torn between their initial faith in Ten Hag's abilities and the mounting pressure to turn around the club's fortunes. With every disappointing result, the vultures of speculation grow bolder. The Premier League is known for its unforgiving nature, and managers often find themselves on the precipice of change when results falter.

As United prepare to host Brentford at Old Trafford this weekend, all eyes will be on Ten Hag and his squad. Will they manage to turn the tide and quell the growing uncertainty surrounding their manager's future? Or will the Dutchman find himself on a journey back to familiar territory, a return to the iconic red and white of Ajax, should the unthinkable occur?

One thing is certain: the footballing world will be watching closely, waiting to see whether Erik ten Hag can steer the ship at Manchester United back on course or whether the allure of an Ajax reunion will become an irresistible possibility. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of this captivating managerial saga.