Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made his first public appearance at a football stadium since his departure from Old Trafford earlier this week.
Ten Hag, who had been United’s boss for two and a half years, was let go on Monday after talks with the Ineos leadership following a tough 2-1 loss to West Ham. It was a surprising turn of events for a manager who had brought home both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup but struggled in the league, with United finishing in a disappointing eighth place in his final season.
After his departure, Ten Hag quickly returned to his home country, the Netherlands. This week, fans spotted him enjoying a Dutch Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda at the Erve Asito stadium. The game ended with a 2-0 win for Heracles, thanks to a pair of goals from Brian De Keersmaecker.
Just before his public outing, Ten Hag shared a heartfelt message with United fans, officially saying goodbye. In his note, he expressed deep gratitude for the support he’d felt throughout his time at United, emphasizing how much the passionate fanbase meant to him. “Dear fans,” he began, “Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club.”
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He reminisced about the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford and how fans’ chants and cheers would take over stadiums even on away games. “Hearing the United chants in England, Europe, and even during the summer tours was incredible,” he shared. “It gave the team and me such an incredible feeling.”
Ten Hag also cherished the moments he shared with fans across the world. Whether it was meeting fans on the streets in England, Europe, or as far away as Asia and the USA, he described feeling inspired by their loyalty and unity. “You made me feel at home,” he said, underscoring the unique bond he felt with the United fanbase.
He went on to thank the club’s staff, noting their support during both the highs and the lows of his tenure. Reflecting on his time at United, he celebrated the two trophies he’d won, calling them accomplishments he’d cherish forever. Though he had hoped to win even more for the club, he accepted that his journey there had come to an end.
In closing, Ten Hag wished United fans nothing but success and glory in the seasons ahead. “Thank you for this chapter in my life,” he concluded, a heartfelt message that resonated with many United supporters around the world.
Meanwhile, Manchester United wasted no time in moving forward, announcing Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP as their new manager on Friday. Amorim, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with an optional extension, will step in later this month once he completes his current notice period.
Until then, United is in the capable hands of Ten Hag’s former assistant and club legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy. In his first match in charge, Van Nistelrooy led United to a powerful 5-2 victory against Leicester, offering a glimmer of hope to fans.
Next up, United faces Chelsea at Old Trafford, hoping to improve their standing and recover from a rocky start that currently has them sitting in 13th place. The journey ahead promises plenty of excitement for the Red Devils and their fans.
