There are reports suggesting that Manchester United’s assistant manager, Mitchell van der Gaag, is being considered as a potential candidate for the head coaching position at Ajax. Van der Gaag followed Erik ten Hag from Ajax to Manchester United last summer when Ten Hag was appointed. However, both clubs have faced challenges since then, with Ten Hag’s position at Manchester United becoming less secure, and Ajax experiencing managerial changes and failing to qualify for the Champions League.
It’s reported that Ajax’s interim CEO, Jan van Halst, has secretly made contingency plans for the head coach role at the club, and Mitchell van der Gaag is one of the potential candidates if the current coach, Maurice Steijn, doesn’t meet expectations. While Ten Hag and van der Gaag have a working relationship, there may be some reluctance to let his trusted assistant go.
Mitchell van der Gaag has managerial experience at various clubs, including Maritimo, Belenenses, Excelsior, NAC, and Jong Ajax. Currently, he serves as one of the assistant managers to Ten Hag at Manchester United, alongside Steve McClaren.
The final decision about any potential move could involve Louis van Gaal, the former Netherlands boss and advisor at Ajax. There have also been suggestions that Ten Hag himself could return to Ajax if he is no longer in charge at Manchester United.