After his recent departure from Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has chosen to take a break, using this time to reflect on his next career steps. The Dutch manager, who arrived at United with high hopes, now finds himself at a turning point after a challenging period in the Premier League that concluded just a week ago.
While United acted quickly to replace him with Ruben Amorim, Ten Hag has opted for a pause, aiming to recharge and thoughtfully consider his future in coaching.
Ten Hag has returned to the Netherlands, where he was seen watching a match between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda in the Eredivisie over the weekend. This return to familiar territory may signify his desire to reconnect with his roots, finding comfort in a familiar environment while he plans his next move.
Known for his detail-oriented and tactical approach, Ten Hag likely sees this time off as essential, allowing him to refresh before re-entering the competitive landscape of European football.
Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was far from smooth. Despite a few highlights, he left with the club sitting disappointingly in 14th place in the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League, having failed to win in three consecutive matches. The mounting pressure led the club’s management to make a change, seeking to rescue a season that was quickly spiraling downward.
This marked a disappointing end for Ten Hag, whose impressive track record with Utrecht and Ajax had previously made him one of Europe’s most sought-after managers.
At Ajax, Ten Hag earned a reputation for crafting cohesive teams that could compete at high levels in Europe. However, his tactical approach faced tougher challenges in the Premier League, where intense competition and scrutiny proved formidable.
Nonetheless, Ten Hag’s reputation remains strong across Europe, especially due to his achievements with Ajax, including their deep Champions League run.
Dutch journalist Tijmen van Wissing recently shared his views on Ten Hag’s future, suggesting that the coach might still have several notable roles ahead in European football. Van Wissing hinted that PSV Eindhoven could be a potential destination if their current coach, Peter Bosz, were to leave.
Confident in Ten Hag’s ability to rebound, van Wissing added that he believes Ten Hag could take on two or three more high-profile roles, where his tactical style might be a better fit than it was at Manchester United.
As Ten Hag takes time to reflect on his time at United, he may consider how to adapt his approach for future opportunities. With his tactical insight and experience, he is likely to find new possibilities, potentially back in the Dutch league or in other European leagues where his strategies might be better suited. For now, however, he is content to observe, recharge, and prepare for his eventual return to football.
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