New Delhi: Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly close to making a return to management less than two months after his sacking from the Manchester based club. The Dutchman was in charge of the Red Devils from 2022 to 2024 and won two trophies with the club during his tenure, winning the Carabao Cup in the 2022/23 season and the FA Cup in the 2023/24 season.
He could now be set for a return to management in Germany with Borussia Dortmund considering the Dutch tactician as their next head coach. According to reports from Sky Sports Germany, Dortmund could make a move for Ten Hag as early as this week, depending on the outcome of their Champions League tie against Bologna on Tuesday night. Current Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin’s job has come under extreme scrutiny following poor results.
🚨 Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could replace Nuri Sahin as Dortmund boss if they lose against Bologna in the Champions League tomorrow.
(Source: @SkySportDE) pic.twitter.com/tE3D4dOgiJ
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 20, 2025
Ten Hag, who has been without a job since his sacking by Manchester United in October, has been a frequent visitor at Dortmund matches in recent months, fueling speculation of his impending appointment. The Dutchman is no stranger to German football, having previously coached Bayern Munich’s second team between 2013 and 2015. His familiarity with the Bundesliga system and immediate availability make him a strong candidate for the position.
The 2024/25 season has been a challenging one for Borussia Dortmund, who have failed to build on their impressive campaign last year when they reached the Champions League final. Nuri Sahin, who took charge of the club during the summer following the exit of manager Edin Terzic, has seen his team endure a dramatic dip in form after a good start to the season under their former player.
Dortmund’s Struggles Under Nuri Sahin
Before the winter break, Dortmund managed just one win in their final five fixtures, a sign of the inconsistency that has plagued the team throughout the season. Their struggles have only deepened in the new year, with three consecutive defeats leaving them slumped in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table. Sahin has overseen seven defeats in 18 Bundesliga matches which has seen the club slumped to 10th in the league table.
While Dortmund remain well-positioned to advance to the Champions League knockout stages, their league form has been a significant cause for concern. The upcoming tie against Bologna, a team yet to win a European match this season, is now a make-or-break moment for Sahin. A loss could see him relieved of his duties, paving the way for Ten Hag’s arrival. The former Ajax manager would be a significant upgrade on Sahin, despite his struggles at Manchester United.
🚨⚫️🟡 Nuri #Sahin faces a decisive UCL match on Tuesday in Bologna to secure his position as head coach of Borussia Dortmund. #BVB
Should Sahin be forced to leave, Erik ten Hag is considered a serious candidate, as previously revealed. This is partly because he would be… pic.twitter.com/bh3tglfo0S
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 19, 2025
While Ten Hag appears to be the frontrunner, Borussia Dortmund are reportedly exploring other options as well. One name that has been linked with the job is Sebastian Hoeness, the current manager of Stuttgart. Hoeness has garnered praise for his work at Stuttgart, leading them to a second-place finish last season and keeping them in the top four this term. Stuttgart, however, are unlikely to let Hoeness leave mid-season.
The 42-year-old is thought to have a release clause in his contract worth €7-8 million, which can only be activated in the summer. This means Dortmund may need to settle for an interim solution if they decide to part ways with Sahin immediately. While it’s not know whether Ten Hag would be appointed on an interim basis or permanently if the club does decide to go for him, but he remains a more easily attainable option, making him the front runner for the role.
Former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag seems to be making a return to management less than two months after being shown the door at Old Trafford. Dive in to find out more details about the same! Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
