Replacing a successful manager is difficult. At times Manchester United have found it impossible, with Sir Alex Ferguson leaving big shoes to fill.
New boss Erik ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager United have hired since Fergie retired, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It finally looks like United have got the right man – but in doing so, Ajax have lost their perfect manager.
Ten Hag had the highest win rate at Ajax in 20 years, and replacement Alfred Schreuder has failed to successfully replace him.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Ajax sack Schreuder
Ajax announced in a statement they have sacked manager Alfred Schreuder, just months after hiring him as Ten Hag’s successor.
The last straw was a 1-1 home draw with 16th place Volendam on Thursday evening.
A brutal statement on the club’s website wrote: “Ajax has immediately suspended Alfred Schreuder. The trainer’s contract was valid until June 30, 2024, but will now be terminated immediately.
“The many points lost and the team’s lack of development are the main reasons for this decision.
“The club management no longer has confidence in further cooperation. The collaboration with assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach will also be terminated.”
There was no holding back with this statement, with Schreuder losing the faith of the Ajax players, and his superiors.
Ajax sit down in fifth place in the Eredivisie table with just nine wins from 18 matches.
They have conceded 20 goals, more than the 19 goals Ten Hag’s Ajax conceded in 34 games last season as they won the league.
Ten Hag was always a hard act to follow, and he had some say in dismantling Ajax and making Schreuder’s job harder.
United signed Antony and Lisandro Martinez, while Sebastien Haller joined Borussia Dortmund, and Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui signed with Bayern Munich.
As for Schreuder, he may regret taunting United over a lack of Champions League football when the Antony pursuit is ongoing. He has dragged Ajax down to the Europa League, and he won’t even be in charge to oversee it.