Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will not return to the dugout before next season at the earliest. The Dutchman, who was dismissed from his role at Old Trafford in late October, has opted to take a break from management.
United endured a dismal start to the Premier League campaign under Ten Hag, securing just 11 points from their opening nine matches. With the team languishing in 14th place, the club decided to part ways with the Dutch tactician, compensating him generously for his departure.
Struggles continue under Amorim
Since Ten Hag’s exit, his successor, Ruben Amorim, has faced even greater difficulties in charge of the Red Devils. The Portuguese coach has accumulated only 15 points from as many matches, a record surpassed by all but the league’s bottom three teams. His tenure has seen United slip further down the table, with the club now sitting in 15th place.
While Ten Hag’s reputation has improved following his departure, Amorim has struggled to inspire the squad, which continues to underperform. Despite speculation linking Ten Hag to positions at Borussia Dortmund and Feyenoord, he has remained unattached. He recently addressed his future, explaining his decision to take a break from coaching.
Ten Hag reflects on his career and United stint
Speaking on the SEG Stories podcast, Ten Hag revealed that stepping away from the game was a deliberate choice. “I have already decided for myself: OK, I’m not doing anything until 1 July,” he stated in an excerpt ahead of the full interview’s release.
Reflecting on his managerial journey, Ten Hag acknowledged that his career has included several significant achievements. He also emphasized his relentless pursuit of improvement, saying, “You are always working towards a dot on the horizon, but you never get to the horizon. There is always room for improvement. And good is not good enough. You can do better.”
Despite the challenges he faced during his time in Manchester, Ten Hag admitted to having a lingering attachment to the club, confessing, “If there’s one thing I miss, it’s Old Trafford.” His tenure was marked by a complex relationship with both the squad and supporters. While he secured two domestic cup victories, he was also at the helm for some of United’s most humbling defeats, including their record loss to fierce rivals Liverpool.
One of the most enduring images of Ten Hag’s reign remains his figure standing under the leaking Old Trafford roof, drenched by the downpour. Yet, as United continues to falter under new leadership, some within the club may now look back on his time with a sense of regret.
