Ajax keen on Erik ten Hag return as Manchester United boss joins Graham Potter on manager shortlist

Ajax have drawn up a three-man shortlist of candidates for their manager vacancy, which includes Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag.

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is also of interest, along with Nice coach Francesco Farioli.

The Dutch giants have stepped up their managerial search after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row.

Ten Hag is seen as a viable option to return to Ajax with his job at Manchester United far from secure. The expectation is Sir Jim Ratcliffe sacks Ten Hag at the end of the season with the club having endured a drastic downturn in from in recent weeks.

United beat Liverpool 4-3 in a sensational FA Cup quarter-final, only to follow up the unlikely success by throwing away leads against Brentford, Chelsea and a league encounter with the Reds.

They squeezed past Championship side Coventry City on penalties in last week’s FA Cup semi-final, but only after throwing away a three-goal lead and surviving a narrow VAR call. United most recently beat bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United but only after going behind twice, and next face Burnley on Saturday.

Technical director Jason Wilcox is reviewing Ten Hag’s position at United as the club look to bring in sporting director Dan Ashworth early from his gardening leave.

Meanwhile, Potter held talks with Ajax earlier this month and appears to be the club’s favoured candidate.

The 48-year-old has expressed early reluctance to take the role with more high-profile jobs expected to become available across Europe. The former Chelsea manager could become a contender to take Ten Hag’s job at United.

Potter has had a break from football since getting sacked by Chelsea last April and has rejected numerous roles, including the Lyon and Sweden jobs, but is believed to be ready to return to work, especially for the right opportunity.

Farioli, 35, is one of Europe's most exciting young managers as his Nice team battles to qualify for the Champions League in France.

Ajax’s search comes amid turmoil at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Financial problems after another disappointing season are expected to see a major star sold, with Arsenal interested in 18-year-old defender Jorrel Hato.

Caretaker manager John van 't Schip guided the club away from the relegation zone but European qualification is likely out of reach for next season.