Erik ten Hag didn’t waste any time getting back to the football scene after being dismissed by Manchester United.
Ousted from his role at United on Monday after United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham left the Red Devils slumped 14th in the Premier League, Ten Hag immediately took a flight back to his homeland, the Netherlands, to ponder over his ousting. The Dutch coach had a narrow miss with an awkward situation at the airport when he nearly bumped into Omar Berrada, the executive responsible for his sacking.
A hefty cheque worth £14million was given to him and his team by United as a severance package since they had extended his contract just this past summer. And the fallen football giants have already appointed Ruben Amorim as his successor.
Despite the golden parachute, there’s no sign that Ten Hag is pressing pause on his career, as his love for the sport appears undiminished. Over the weekend, the 54-year-old was caught sight of in the crowd at Erve Asito stadium, where he watched Heracles Almelo compete against NAC Breda in a match of the Dutch Eredivisie.
Donning a flat cap and coat, Ten Hag was accompanied by associates while he enjoyed watching the game. It turned out to be a rewarding game for Ten Hag to observe, with Heracles Almelo acquiring a 2-0 victory courtesy of Brian De Keersmaecker’s double strike.
(Image: Hollandse Hoogte/REX/Shutterstock)
Travelling to Almelo wasn’t much of an inconvenience for Ten Hag, considering he grew up in the neighbouring Haaksbergen and still has plenty of family living around, reports the Mirror. After the traumatic parting with Old Trafford, which left him “devastated” following over two years of effort, Ten Hag possibly sought respite.
He believed he warranted more time to enact a turnaround at United, despite securing only 11 points from the first nine Premier League games of the season. Ten Hag poured his emotions into a touching farewell note on Friday, right after the announcement of Amorim as the new manager.
“Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable,” his statement read. “I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support.
(Image: PA)
“I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. 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.”
He continued, expressing his wishes for the club’s future: “I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”
While Erik bid adieu, United notched up a stunning 5-2 victory over Leicester with Ruud van Nistelrooy stepping in as interim on Wednesday. All eyes are now on whether Ten Hag will tune in for United’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.