Erik ten Hag stance on Wolves job revealed after former Man United manager was linked with surprise move back to Premier League

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly has reservations over taking charge of Wolves after being linked with a return to the Premier League.

Ten Hag has been out of work since September 1 when he was sacked by German club Bayer Leverkusen after just three games and 62 days in charge.

The Dutchman, who was dismissed by Man United last October, has reportedly been included on Wolves shortlist as the Premier League's bottom side look to appoint a new boss.

It follows Wolves decision to part ways with Pereira on Sunday following a dismal start to the season.

According to the Times, Wolves have made tentative contact with Ten Hag through a third party but formal talks are yet to have taken place.

The report claims Ten Hag is thought to be reluctant to take charge at Molineux, given Wolves precarious position in the top flight.

Wolves have picked up just two points from their 10 Premier League matches so far this season.

The results have left the club rock bottom of the table and are already eight points adrift of Burnley, who are outside the relegation zone in 17th place.

Ten Hag, 55, is currently the second favourite to take the Wolves job after Middlesborough boss Rob Edwards - who previously played at the club before joining their coaching staff.

The Dutchman, who has seen his reputation bruised by spells at Man United and Leverkusen, has largely coached clubs competing at the top end of the table during his career.

It would mark a major change if Ten Hag opted to return to management with a side deep in a relegation battle.

Ten Hag would feel like he has unfinished business in the Premier League after being sacked by Manchester United in October last year.

He brought two domestic cups to Old Trafford but their abysmal form in the league led to him losing his job.

Ten Hag was dismissed from Old Trafford just months into the season with United 14th in the Premier League after winning just four of their opening 14 matches.

His departure came despite the club triggering a one-year contract extension the previous summer.

Should Ten Hag ultimately take charge of Wolves, a meeting with his former club Man United would be swiftly on the horizon with the Red Devils due to visit  Molineux on December 8.

Former Wolves boss Gary O'Neil had been in talks over a return to the club, but Daily Mail Sport reported on Monday that the 42-year-old is no longer in the race.

The idea he might return caused significant unrest among an already disgruntled fan base, and Daily Mail Sport understands certain players had doubts about bringing back a manager who had struggled so badly during the early months of the 2024-25 campaign.

It is not known whether these factors have influenced the change of heart.

Coaches Richard Walker and James Collins are currently leading first team training ahead of Wolves clash with Chelsea on Saturday.