Ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could receive offer to join Champions League club just weeks after Old Trafford exit: Reports

Just weeks after being sacked by Manchester United, Erik ten Hag could return to the managerial hot seat, with reports linking him to a potential role at RB Leipzig. The Dutchman, who endured a challenging tenure with United, is reportedly being considered as Marco Rose's replacement. The German's position with the Bundesliga outfit is under intense scrutiny.

According to Sky Germany, Ten Hag is on Leipzig’s shortlist, as the club are evaluating their options amid a poor run of form under Rose. Leipzig have gone six games without a win across competitions, including a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Wolfsburg on Saturday (November 30).

Their last victory came on October 29 (4-2 against St. Pauli in DFB Pokal), and their recent struggles have left them nine points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich, effectively ending their title aspirations.

Rose, who took over at Leipzig in 2022, is feeling the heat, with a DFB Pokal tie against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday (December 4) looming as a potential decider for his future.

The cup remains Leipzig’s best chance at silverware this season, as their Bundesliga campaign has apparently faltered and their Champions League hopes have faded.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has been out of work since being replaced by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United in late October.

His time at Old Trafford ended after a string of underwhelming performances, culminating in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League on October 27.

Despite his struggles at Manchester United, the former Ajax boss remains highly regarded for his tactical acumen and ability to rebuild squads - qualities that could appeal to Leipzig’s management.

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The former Manchester United manager isn't the only man linked with a move to RB Leipzig

Erik ten Hag is not the only name in the frame. Roger Schmidt, the current manager of Benfica, is also reportedly being considered. Schmidt has a long-standing connection with the Red Bull football group, having managed Red Bull Salzburg in the early 2010s.

Despite this, reports suggest Schmidt is reluctant to take up a new role mid-season, preferring to wait until the end of the summer, potentially clearing the path for Ten Hag to step in.

A move to Leipzig would mark a swift return to management for Ten Hag, whose departure from Manchester United was accompanied by a heartfelt farewell to the club’s supporters.

Reflecting on his time with Manchester United, Ten Hag said (via Eurosport):

"Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable."

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe, or during the summer tours."

If Rose fails to secure a result against Frankfurt, the door could open for Ten Hag to take charge, offering him a chance to rebuild his reputation and help Leipzig salvage their season.