ERIK TEN HAG could be set for a sensational return to Ajax as he is among their preferred candidates for the job, according to reports.

The Manchester United boss, 54, is coming under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after a dismal second season at the helm.

His side sit sixth in the Premier League table, while they were also eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League.

They are into the final of the FA Cup where they will play Manchester City for a second successive season.

However, they spurned a three-goal lead to Championship outfit Coventry in the semi-final, before sparing further blushes by winning on penalties.

And just one win in six Premier League games has added further uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future at the club.

But according to The Mail, Man Utd sacking Ten Hag may only lead to his immediate return to Ajax.

The Dutchman enjoyed a superb four-and-a-half-year spell with the Eredivisie giants between 2017 and 2022.

He won three league titles, two Dutch Cups, and led them to the Champions League semi-finals before they were beaten on away goals by Tottenham in a remarkable tie.

But Ajax are aware Ten Hag would be reluctant to walk away from Man Utd, so they are reliant on him being sacked.

Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Nice head coach Francesco Farioli are among the other candidates being considered.

John van ‘t Schip has been placed in interim charge of Ajax until the end of the season – their fifth head coach since Ten Hag’s departure less than two years ago.

They missed out on Champions League qualification last season after finishing third in the Eredivisie.

But the 2023/24 campaign has been even worse with the club down in fifth, 35 points adrift of league leaders PSV.