After recently leaving Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has chosen to take a step back and reevaluate his career. The Dutch manager, who arrived at United with great expectations, finds himself at a crossroads after a challenging Premier League stint that ended abruptly. While Manchester United quickly appointed Ruben Amorim as his replacement, Ten Hag is in no rush, preferring to take a break and reflect on his next move.
Ten Hag was recently spotted in the Netherlands attending the Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda. His return to familiar surroundings suggests a desire to reconnect with his roots as he contemplates his future. Known for his tactical acumen, Ten Hag likely views this time off as an opportunity to recharge and reassess before making his next move in European football.
His time at Manchester United was marked by struggles. Despite a few positive performances, he departed with the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and facing challenges in the Europa League. With mounting pressure, the club’s leadership decided to part ways with him, ending a tenure that had started with high hopes based on his success at Utrecht and Ajax.
At Ajax, Ten Hag had earned a strong reputation for building cohesive, competitive teams capable of challenging Europe’s elite. However, his tactical approach faced tougher scrutiny in the Premier League, where intense competition proved difficult to overcome. Nevertheless, his achievements at Ajax, especially their memorable Champions League campaign, continue to maintain his standing in European football.
Dutch journalist Tijmen van Wissing recently speculated on Ten Hag’s future, suggesting that he could still be a sought-after manager in Europe. In an interview with FC Update, van Wissing mentioned PSV Eindhoven as a potential destination, should current manager Peter Bosz depart. He expressed confidence in Ten Hag’s ability to succeed, saying, “I believe he will take on two or three more roles,” highlighting the ongoing respect for Ten Hag in the football world.
As Ten Hag reflects on his time at Manchester United, he may also consider refining his approach for future opportunities. With his tactical knowledge and leadership skills, his next role may involve a team more suited to his style of coaching. For now, though, he seems content to take a break, watching from the sidelines as he prepares for his next chapter in European football.
