Erik ten Hag emerges as contender for top Bundesliga job - as Dutchman eyes return to management seven months after his sacking by Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has emerged as a contender to replace Xabi Alonso should he confirm his expected departure from Bayer Leverkusen.
Talks have yet to take place as Alonso has still to confirm his plans with Real Madrid waiting in the wings for the Spaniard.
But former Manchester United boss Ten Hag is on a list of potential candidates that Leverkusen would like to speak to should Alonso leave.
Ten Hag has a good reputation in Germany from his time working at Bayern Munich and was heavily linked with the Borussia Dortmund coaching role in January.
However, the 55-year old, who was sacked by Manchester United in October and continues to be paid compensation by the club, has been keen to recharge and take his time before leaping straight back into management.
Leverkusen are second in the Bundesliga, eight points adrift of Bayern Munich. However, Leverkusen boss Alonso is favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti had been lined up to become national team coach of Brazil but that is now in doubt as Madrid have not given permission yet.
Though the 65-year old Italian coach is still expected to leave the Bernabeu, Madrid have yet to clarify plans of who will be in charge for the forthcoming World Club Championship.
Their reluctance to give Ancelotti the green light has put his potential appointment as Brazil boss in jeopardy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
31 minutes ago
- Metro
Leroy Sane sends message to Bayern Munich over Arsenal transfer
Leroy Sane has indicated he is 'very interested' in a move to Arsenal amid his contract dispute with Bayern Munich, according to reports in Germany. The 29-year-old winger will become a free agent in a matter of weeks after failing to reach an agreement with Bayern over a contract extension. Sane joined the Bundesliga giants from Manchester City in 2020 in a deal worth up to £55m. Making at least 40 appearances every season since arriving at the club, Sane has been a hugely influential member of the Bayern squad, playing a major role in four league title wins. Bayern Munich bosses are keen to keep hold of Sane and have already offered him a new three-year contract on reduced terms. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But Sane rejected the offer as he is unwilling to take a pay-cut and has since been linked with a number of Premier League clubs. German outlet BILD say Sane is yet to make a final decision on his future despite the fact he is set to become a free agent on July 1. It is also claimed Sane is 'very interested' in joining Arsenal, with a move to London 'appealing' to him and his wife Candice. Sane has attracted interest from Arsenal's Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle United but moves to those clubs does not appear to be a genuine possibility at this stage. Other options include a move to Saudi Arabia or Serie A champions Napoli but those are less attractive to Sane, according to BILD. 'I would love Leroy Sane to sign for Spurs; he's a world class player who has won everything. 'Why would you not want him at your football club? He might've picked up a few injuries in his career, but you can't tell me he wouldn't be a great signing for Spurs – even if he demands £250,000 a week!' Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara speaking to Grosvenor Sport Despite the intense transfer speculation, Sane is not expected to make a decision before the Club World Cup starts this weekend. Bayern are even considering offering Sane a short-term contract to ensure he features in the tournament, even if he could leave shortly after Bayern Munich return from the United States. Sane is also aware of interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who are both ready to make lucrative offers to secure his signature. But a move to Arsenal would give Sane a reunion with Mikel Arteta, who he worked with at Manchester City while the current Gunners boss was assistant to Pep Guardiola. Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 campaign but Didi Hamann believes it would be a mistake to sign Sane. 'If you look at Arsenal, I think you need very good players to improve the team,' Hamann told Best Betting Sites. 'And obviously Saka plays on the right. More Trending 'Leroy Sane mainly plays on the right and he's a hugely talented player. He's been at Bayern for five years now. He just hasn't done it on a consistent basis. 'Now, why would he do it now for the next three years when he's 29? He's a hugely talented player, but we shouldn't talk about a player who's 29 about his talent – we should talk about the impact they have and the medals they've won. 'At that age, you're looking for guarantees from your performance level, and Sane just hasn't given me any assurance that he can deliver consistently. 'I don't think Arsenal should be looking at him and certainly not moving for him.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal interested in sensational £70m swoop for Man Utd star to rival Chelsea MORE: Why Benjamin Sesko isn't playing for Slovenia tonight after Arsenal transfer links MORE: PSG star Gianluigi Donnarumma responds to Man Utd and Man City transfer links
Daily Mirror
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Casemiro claims season has been 'successful' despite Man Utd misery
Even though Manchester United achieved their lowest finish in Premier League history, midfielder Casemiro stated that the 2024/25 season has been one of the "most successful" of his career to date Casemiro has surprisingly deemed this season one of his "most successful" after earning the trust of Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, despite a challenging period for the team. The Brazilian midfielder appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford in January, after talks of a move to Saudi Arabia were bandied about last summer and re-emerged during the winter window. Yet when the dust settled, Casemiro remained with United. After initially falling out of Portuguese coach Amorim's favour, by around February he began to carve out more regular playing time in the Premier League and European competitions. The 33-year-old became integral to the squad that battled its way to the Europa League final, noticing an uptick in appearances as the season drew to a close. Casemiro, while on duty with the Brazil national team, has now shed light on discussions held with Amorim earlier in his tenure, boldly stating that, for him, personally, it was indeed a successful year. "This year has been one of the most important years of my career, if not the most. Even because of the coach's choice [Ruben Amorim]. I was left out [of the options], but I never stopped working," Casemiro revealed. "That's my great success. Everyone wants to talk about titles, victories and big games, but when you don't play and you manage to change the mind of a coach who arrives and doesn't play you. "You end up coming back, and now you're being praised by the coach who at first practically didn't count on you... it was one of my most successful years. "These are things that end up happening internally. I'm one of those people who, when things happen internally, I don't like to say too much." Despite United's struggles, Casemiro donned the Red Devils' kit 42 times this term, netting five times and contributing three assists. His personal comeback stands in stark contrast to United's disappointing campaign, which saw them lumber to their lowest Premier League ranking in history, finishing 15th, and suffering 14 defeats, a figure not seen since 1990. The Brazilian midfielder faced severe criticism in September following a harrowing first-half display against Liverpool, where his error led to Luis Diaz opening the scoring after just 35 minutes. Not long after, Casemiro lost possession again, allowing Diaz to score once more before Erik ten Hag subbed him off at the break, with United eventual 3-0 losers. Casemiro shed light on his discussions with his manager during challenging times, stating (via the Manchester Evening News): "I don't think there's been such a big relapse in my individual aspect, but when the club isn't playing well, changes are needed. "I spoke to him [Amorim] and he told me that it was more a question of choosing to play, that I should wait for the opportunity. Of course, he was open with me. "He said it was his choice, nothing against me. I had no choice but to carry on working and wait for the opportunity. When I played, I lived up to what he asked." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd star's emotional message after being released by Amorim – 'Once a red'
Several Manchester United academy graduates have joined veteran first teamers in being released by the Red Devils as Ruben Amorim looks to build his new era at the club Manchester United academy starlet James Nolan has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the club after parting ways with the Red Devils. It was reported early last month that three youngsters - Nolan, Jack Kingdon and Sam Murray - would be allowed to leave as free agents this summer. United published their retained list on Monday and the aforementioned players' departures were made official. Nolan spent last season on loan with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Scottish League One, where he made 33 appearances and scored his first career goal. The 19-year-old defender will now look for a new club to begin his next chapter. Taking to Instagram, Nolan wrote: "My time at Manchester United has now come to an end. "From joining at the age of seven to now leaving at 19 it has been my second home. I just want to say a massive thank you to the coaches, players and everyone at the club for making my time unforgettable. I've made memories to last a life time. "Once a Red always a Red." Nolan is a versatile player and mainly played at full-back for Caledonian Thistle. Central defender Jack Kingdon also shared his gratitude in a similar social media post, saying: 'After nearly 5 years at this club, it is my time to move onto the next chapter in my career. 'The experiences this club has given me I will always be grateful for. The lads, staff and fans have been outstanding with me whilst I've been here. "Manchester United will always have a place in my heart, but it is time for the next chapter. Thank you, Reds." Kingdon as an academy product was instrumental in the Under-18 treble-winning team in 2023/2024. The 19-year-old, who is a Scotland youth international, was also excellent on loan with Rochdale after signing for the club in the winter window. It's understood that Kingdon was on the verge of signing for Ineos-owned FC Lausanne Sport on loan in January before he signed for Rochdale, who he helped reach the National League play-offs. Academy goalkeepers Tom Myles and Tom Wooster have also been released this summer, with the official club website's statement reading: 'The Academy is proud of all of our departing young players throughout the age groups. They will be supported in securing contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United.' Joining them in the mass clearout after a disastrous season for the first team are established stars Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof. Tom Heaton is also included on the list of free transfers, however, the club remains in discussions with the goalkeeper about a new deal that would see him remain part of the squad for the 2025/26 season. It is understood that there will be a limited number of spots available in Ruben Amorim's squad next season as the Portuguese head coach looks to transform the club's fortunes with new additions.
