Former Man United manager Louis van Gaal is considering a move that could see Mitchell van der Gaag replace Maurice Steijn in the Ajax dugout, according to The Athletic.
Van Gaal recently returned to Ajax in an advisory role following the departure of sporting director Sven Mislintat last month.
Mislintat’s exit was shrouded in controversy amid allegations the German talent spotter authorised the signing of a player through unorthodox means.
Van Gaal, who only returned to the Johan Cruyff Arena at the start of October, is reportedly a huge fan of Van der Gaag, who has been serving as Erik ten Hag‘s second in command since their time at Ajax.
Van der Gaag previously coached the Ajax youth side before moving up to work with the first team under Ten Hag. They moved to the Theatre of Dreams at the start of last season and are under contract until 2025.
While Van der Gaag is considered integral to Ten Hag’s backroom staff at Man United, Ajax could make a significant effort to bring him back to the Netherlands, especially with Van Gaal’s validation.
The record Eredivisie champions have been in abysmal form this season, clocking up just five points from their initial six games in the division, winning one, drawing two, and losing three.
Their horrific run of form this season has prompted speculation regarding the future of their manager Steijn, who has increasingly come under scrutiny due to his side’s performances.
Steijn took over at Ajax after a disappointing 2022/23 campaign but has been unable to turn the team’s fortunes around, with the club yet to win a competitive fixture since the end of August.
The Ajax hierarchy faces a decision regarding the manager’s future, but they may opt to retain Steijn until the end of the season and initiate a rebuilding phase next summer.
