Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly uncertain about taking charge of Wolves, despite being linked with a return to the Premier League.
The Dutch coach, 55, has been out of work since September 1, when he was dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after just three games and 62 days in charge. His brief spell in Germany followed his departure from Old Trafford last October, where he was sacked amid United’s poor league form.
Now, Erik ten Hag has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Vitor Pereira, who was dismissed by Wolves on Sunday following a disastrous start to the season. The club sits bottom of the Premier League with just two points from ten matches, leaving them eight points adrift of safety.
Reluctance to take charge at struggling Wolves
According to The Times, Wolves have made initial contact with Ten Hag through a third party, but no formal talks have yet taken place. The report adds that the former United boss is hesitant to accept the role, given the club’s precarious position and the likelihood of a relegation battle.
Erik ten Hag has built his career managing sides competing at the top end of their leagues, including successful spells with Ajax and Utrecht, before moving to Manchester United. Taking over a club fighting for survival would mark a major departure from his usual environment.
Despite that, a return to England could appeal to Ten Hag, who is believed to feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
When he was sacked in October 2024, United sat 14th in the table, having won just four of their opening 14 games — a disappointing start that came only months after the club had triggered a one-year contract extension.
Potential reunion with Manchester United
Should Erik ten Hag decide to take the Wolves job, he would quickly face his former club. Manchester United are scheduled to visit Molineux on December 8, setting up an early reunion with the team that dismissed him just a year earlier.
Meanwhile, Rob Edwards, the current Middlesbrough boss and former Wolves defender, remains the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at the club. Other names under consideration reportedly include Rui Borges, Brendan Rodgers, Kevin Muscat, and Sérgio Conceição.
Former manager Gary O’Neil was also in discussions about a possible return but has since been ruled out of contention. His potential comeback had caused unrest among fans and some players, leading to the club abandoning the idea.
In the meantime, coaches Richard Walker and James Collins are overseeing first-team training ahead of Wolves’ upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Saturday.
