has been out of work since his Manchester United sacking in November, but a return to football management feels right around the corner. Sky Germany that Ajax are seriously considering an attempt to bring their former boss back to Amsterdam after Francesco Farioli stepped down in the wake of Eredivisie heartbreak this month.

Ajax looked set to lift a first Dutch title since Ten Hag's farewell success in 2022, but surrendered a nine-point lead at the summit to help PSV Eindhoven retain their crown. Farioli was overcome with emotions after full-time and, shortly after, walked away from the job, opening up an attractive vacancy. Ten Hag has also been strongly linked with replacing Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, with Como manager Cesc Fabregas also said to be in the frame.

But if Ten Hag opts for an Ajax return this summer, he could reunite with four United players and boost his former employer's finances.

Altay Bayindir landed at Old Trafford in 2023 and has only made 10 appearances as a backup for Andre Onana.

United reportedly plan to sell the Turkish goalkeeper to free up space for a new option to challenge Onana for a starting berth.

Ten Hag brought Bayindir to the club, so he could view him as an attractive candidate if he chooses to sign his own goalkeeper, as he did by replacing David de Gea with Onana.

Tyrell Malacia will return to United from his loan at PSV with a winner's medal after helping the club pip Ajax to the title.

He has no future under Ruben Amorim, though, with Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass and Luke Shaw all at his disposal next season.

Ten Hag made Malacia his first United recruit, signing him from Feyenoord in 2022, and the Netherlands international clearly enjoys playing in his homeland.

Could he join a third Dutch club and reunite with his old boss?

Antony will likely remain in one of Europe's top five leagues after reigniting his career on loan at Real Betis in the second half of the season.

Ten Hag splurged £86million to bring the Brazilian winger with him from Ajax - now considered to be one of the club's worst-ever transfer decisions.

United are bound to try and cash in on Antony while his stock is high, and the Dutchman could attempt to lure him back to the Johan Cruyff Arena.

If Rasmus Hojlund isn't moved on this summer, he almost certainly won't be Amorim's starting striker after an unconvincing second season.

United are expected to sign a new goalscorer, with Ipswich Town's Liam Delap at the top of the shortlist, and other attacking reinforcements will follow.

Hojlund is viewed as another of Ten Hag's expensive mistakes, costing the Red Devils £72m, but following him to the Netherlands, perhaps on loan, could benefit his development.