Erik ten Hag has returned to Manchester for the first time since his sacking as Manchester United manager, nearly three weeks after the club’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham United that marked the end of his tenure at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman was seen with his wife, Bianca, as they were spotted dining at their favorite restaurant, Piccolino, in Hale, Greater Manchester, on Monday evening.
This visit to Manchester comes as Ten Hag clears out his home, a final step in his departure from the club. The 54-year-old manager, who spent two and a half years in charge of United, was dismissed on October 28, following a difficult start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Since then, Ten Hag has been in his native Netherlands, where he has attended several Eredivisie matches, including Heracles vs NAC Breda and FC Twente’s game against Ajax, two clubs where he previously enjoyed success.
Ten Hag’s return to Manchester coincides with a significant moment for Manchester United, as Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first training session at the club’s Carrington training complex. Amorim, who was appointed as United’s new manager on the same day Ten Hag was let go, is already making his mark by implementing changes to the club’s tactical setup. It seems a new era is beginning at Old Trafford as Amorim shifts from Ten Hag’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation to his own favored 3-4-3 system, which he is expected to deploy in his first match as manager on Sunday against Ipswich Town.
Although Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United ended with more questions than answers, his achievements during his stint at Old Trafford cannot be overlooked. Under his guidance, United won two trophies—the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 FA Cup—successes that he holds dear. In a heartfelt message to the United faithful after his dismissal, Ten Hag thanked the fans and staff for their unwavering support during both good times and bad, while expressing his deep disappointment at not being able to bring more silverware to the club.
Despite the painful end to his Manchester United journey, Ten Hag is already eyeing a return to management. His passion for coaching remains intact, as he continues to immerse himself in football by attending live matches in the Netherlands. His presence at Eredivisie games suggests that the former Ajax boss is staying sharp and prepared for his next managerial opportunity.
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The shift in management from Ten Hag to Amorim marks a clear departure from the strategies and philosophies implemented by the Dutchman. Amorim, who has enjoyed success at Sporting Lisbon with his aggressive, high-pressing 3-4-3 system, is now looking to impose his tactical vision on United. His arrival in Manchester, just weeks after Ten Hag’s dismissal, signals the urgency the club’s hierarchy felt in making a change. Amorim’s challenge is clear: take charge of a club in transition and guide them back to the top of English football.
While Ten Hag’s departure was a bitter pill to swallow for many, including himself, the sacking was a reflection of the increasing impatience at Manchester United. After two years of underwhelming results and a series of inconsistent performances, the club’s board felt that a fresh approach was necessary to fulfill their lofty ambitions. Ten Hag’s early successes, which included a League Cup win and a top-four finish in his first season, ultimately gave way to a string of disappointing results that led to his dismissal.
Ten Hag’s emotional farewell message highlighted the personal and professional toll that the sacking took on him. “I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support,” Ten Hag wrote in his farewell message. “We won two trophies—achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”
As he clears out his house in Manchester and prepares for his next chapter, Ten Hag can reflect on his time at Old Trafford with a mix of pride and regret. Though his tenure ended prematurely, there were moments of triumph that will stay with him as he moves forward in his managerial career. Meanwhile, Amorim is already preparing for the challenges ahead, eager to prove himself at one of the biggest clubs in world football.
For Manchester United, the hope is that Amorim’s fresh ideas and tactical innovations will reinvigorate the squad and bring success back to the club. After a rocky start to the season under Ten Hag, United fans are hoping that the change in management will lead to a more cohesive and dynamic side, one that can compete for major honors both domestically and in Europe.
Amorim’s first test comes this weekend, with United traveling to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League. A successful debut match for the Portuguese manager would set the tone for what is expected to be a challenging but exciting new era at Old Trafford.
As for Ten Hag, his time at Manchester United may have ended in disappointment, but his next opportunity could be just around the corner. Football is never short of surprises, and the highly respected manager will undoubtedly find another challenge that suits his skills. Until then, he’ll continue to watch football closely and await his next move, reflecting on his time at United while plotting his return to the dugout.