Erik ten Hag emerges as leading candidate for Bayer Leverkusen job, talks ‘very advanced’ with former Man Utd boss

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Erik ten Hag has been out of work since he got sacked by Manchester United back in October.

After a disastrous start to the 2024/25 campaign, Erik ten Hag was dismissed as Ineos ended months of speculation over the manager’s future.

Ruben Amorim was made United head coach in November following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s four-match run as interim manager. Sadly, the results worsened as the season went on, but things have been different in Europe.

United beat Athletic Club 3-0 to put one foot in the Europa League final on Thursday night. They remain the only unbeaten team in European competition ahead of next week’s second leg tie at Old Trafford, with the winner facing either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final on 21 May.

That means Champions League qualification is still a possibility for United, despite sitting 14^th in the Premier League.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
14	Man UtdManchester United	34	10	9	15	39	47	-8	39

Amorim is still working with the Ten Hag’s squad, despite the additions of two players – Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu – from the January transfer window.

United are looking to continue rebuilding United’s first team this summer, while Ten Hag considers a new chapter in his managerial career.

Erik ten Hag in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen

Since he departed from Old Trafford, Ten Hag has been linked with several jobs across Europe.

Feyenoord listed Ten Hag as a candidate but the move would have been too controversial given his links to Ajax. The Eredivisie club ended up hiring former United striker Robin van Persie instead.

Ten Hag was also linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund before the Bundesliga outfit hired Niko Kovac.

Now, however, Ten Hag is being linked with the Bayer Leverkusen job with reports suggesting that Xabi Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

An update from German publication Kicker claims Ten Hag has been named as the number one candidate for the job.

It is understood that talks are at an ‘advanced’ stage, which means Bayer Leverkusen want to have a replacement ready for Alonso’s inevitable departure.

After winning the Bundesliga last season, Alonso’s Leverkusen side currently eight points behind first-place Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen are already showing signs that they want to be prepared for next season by engaging in talks with the former United manager.

Ten Hag could link up with Man Utd target

United were linked with many Dutch players during Ten Hag’s time at the club.

The Dutch coach was responsible for bringing four Netherlands internationals to the club, but he was unable to get the best out of any of them.

In his last summer at United, Ten Hag signed Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, but he didn’t get a lot of time to work with the players before being sent his marching orders.

One player often linked with United during that spell was Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.

Ten Hag could finally link up with the talented right wing-back if he succeeds Alonso, though the Bundesliga side may struggle to keep the 24-year-old this summer.