Ajax sack Erik ten Hag's replacement as Man Utd boss proves tough act to follow

Ajax have sacked Alfred Schreuder, who replaced Erik ten Hag as manager of the Dutch giants, after their winless run in the Eredivisie was extended to seven games.

Schreuder only joined Ajax in the summer, coming in after Ten Hag left the Johan Cruyff Arena to take up his post at Manchester United. But the United boss has proved to be too tough an act to follow for Schreuder, who leaves with Ajax fifth in the table.

The final straw for the Ajax board came on Thursday night when they saw Schreuder's men held to a draw by relegation threatened Volendam. Ajax even fell behind in that game, with the club deciding that Schreuder is not the man to turn their form around.

The reigning Eredivisie champions announced the move late on Thursday night, admitting they had 'no confidence' in Schreuder. He had signed a contract until the summer of 2024, but that will now be terminated.

"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," Ajax's statement read.

"The club management no longer has confidence in further cooperation. The collaboration with assistant coach Matthias Kaltenbach will also be terminated."

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Chief executive, and United legend, Edwin van der Sar admitted that the decision to sack Schreuder was a "painful" one to make. But he insisted that it was needed, with the club in freefall

"It is a painful decision, but also a necessary one. After a good start to the season, we then lost an unnecessary number of points. The game was also volatile," Van der Sar added.

"The World Cup meant an early and long winter break, time and kept us confident to change things and improve. In recent weeks it became increasingly clear that he could not turn the tide, while we believe that despite the many transfers he had a strong and championship worthy squad at his disposal.

"We have also lost a lot of points in recent weeks and unfortunately we did not see any progress."

Schreuder had previously been Ten Hag's assistant match for 18 months and led Club Brugge to the Belgian title last season. But he was unable to replicate that success back at Ajax, with the Dutch giants now having equalled their worst ever winless run in the Eredivisie.

The draw with Volendam means they have now gone seven games without a victory for the first time since 1965. Substitute Mohamed Kudus was forced to rescue a point with 10 minutes to go after Damon Mirani put the visitors ahead.

Ajax are next in action on Sunday when they travel to lowly Excelsior, but it is currently unclear who will take charge of the team following the departures of Schreuder and his assistant Kaltenbach.