Erik ten Hag is feeling “hurt” after his recent dismissal as manager of Manchester United, according to his assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Ten Hag, who had been with United for over two years, was let go on Monday and quickly made his way back to the Netherlands on a private jet. Since his return, the 54-year-old has remained quiet about his departure from the club.
On Monday morning, Van Nistelrooy was at United’s training ground when the news broke. Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth informed Ten Hag that his time with the club was over. “I spoke to him before the game,” Van Nistelrooy shared. “He was deeply disappointed because he truly cared about Manchester United and wanted to see the club succeed.”
Van Nistelrooy added that he’d felt Ten Hag’s passion and dedication for United since their first conversations. “From the start, I could tell Erik wanted to make a positive impact. He loved this club,” Van Nistelrooy explained. The news of Ten Hag’s exit came as a shock, as both fans and colleagues recognized the work he had put in, including leading the team to two cup wins.
Despite the disappointment, Ten Hag can reflect on some memorable achievements during his tenure. “He is proud of what he accomplished here,” Van Nistelrooy said. Winning those two cups will remain a high point for Ten Hag and his supporters alike.
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As the club transitions, Van Nistelrooy has temporarily stepped up as caretaker manager, leading United to a 5-2 victory against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. But he’s clear this is just a short-term role, explaining, “I’m happy to help out as needed, but my position remains as assistant. I’m here to support the club in any way I can.”
Manchester United is already moving forward with plans to appoint Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting Lisbon, as the new head coach. Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy is prepared to return to his original role once Amorim arrives. “I’m committed to staying and supporting in any way,” he emphasized, reflecting his loyalty to both the club and the team.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has taken time to process this transition. As reported, he left for his hometown in the Netherlands shortly after his exit. Ten Hag’s journey to the Netherlands happened quickly; after hearing the news, he went straight to Manchester Airport where a private jet was waiting to take him home.
Return to the Netherlands
His flight landed in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where a car was ready to drive him to Oldenzaal, a small town near the Dutch-German border. This quiet town, with just around 31,000 residents, is where Ten Hag finds comfort, surrounded by family and familiar faces.
On Wednesday evening, Ten Hag’s parents, Hennie and Joke, visited him at his modern three-story home in Oldenzaal. Friends say this is where he feels most grounded. Oldenzaal holds a special place for Ten Hag and his wife, Bianca, who often visit to unwind from the fast-paced world of football.
Interestingly, Ten Hag didn’t bring his family with him immediately, leaving his wife Bianca and their children back in Cheshire to handle some final details before joining him. Friends of Ten Hag say he can relax and be at peace in Oldenzaal, where he’s known and respected, but where life moves at a much slower pace.
Though his time at United ended sooner than expected, Ten Hag can look forward to an exit package of around £13.5 million, after signing a contract extension in July. This parting sum acknowledges both his initial contributions to the club and the over £600 million he invested in player transfers.
Despite his strong start, a rocky season left United in 14th place in the Premier League, and a recent 2-1 loss to West Ham was the tipping point. According to United’s board, the decision to part ways with Ten Hag was “difficult and finely balanced.”
As the dust settles, Ten Hag has a chance to regroup with family and enjoy a little anonymity. The peaceful surroundings of Oldenzaal offer him the perfect place to rest, reflect, and decide on his next steps.
