Erik ten Hag wishes ‘trophies and glory’ for Man United
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Erik ten Hag wrote a letter thanking the club’s fans for their support on the same day his successor, Ruben Amorim, was confirmed.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Erik ten Hag has wished Manchester United fans “nothing but success, trophies and glory” after his sacking following a poor start to the season.
Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim was confirmed as the Dutchman’s successor on Nov 1 and will officially start work on Nov 11.
Ten Hag led United to victory in the League Cup final and a third-placed English Premier League finish in 2023 before following up with an FA Cup triumph against Manchester City in his second season.
But the Red Devils limped home eighth in the league and he paid the price for a poor start to the new campaign, with just 11 points from nine games.
The former Ajax Amsterdam boss thanked United fans in the statement released by his agency SEG on Nov 1.
“Thank you for always being there for the club,” he said. “Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.
“The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you.
“I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.”
He also thanked staff at the club for their “unwavering support in good times and bad”.
Finally, the Dutchman added that he would “cherish” the trophies he won during his stint at Old Trafford.
“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,” he said.
“Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“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.”
Ten Hag was fired after last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham United, which left the team 14th in the Premier League standings.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 League Cup win against Leicester City in midweek and is now preparing to lead the side in their big home league clash against Chelsea on Nov 3.
Van Nistelrooy, who was a player at United under Alex Ferguson from 2001 to 2006, had said that it was “difficult that Erik (ten Hag) had to leave”.
“It was very disappointing, but after that you have to switch the mindset to win because in the end there’s 75,000 people waiting and celebrating, and millions watching at home,” he said.
“I think that’s what we try to do and same for Sunday.” AFP, REUTERS
