BREAKING NEWS: “These players are arrogant, especially him. He’s ruining the younger players, and they’re picking up bad habits from him. I was stunned when they said that to me after we gave them instructions to help improve the team’s performance. He’s the reason we were dismissed, and I regret leaving my previous club to join this one. If Rúben Amorim wants the players to respect him and listen, he must sell him.” A former Manchester United assistant, who worked under Erik ten Hag, has opened up about his time at the club. He shared revealing details about what players used to tell him, shedding light on the influence of a particular individual and the challenges they faced.

Rene Hake, who briefly served as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United from July to November 2024, has shared candid insights into his experiences at Old Trafford. In an in-depth interview, he reflected on the challenges of his role, the internal dynamics of the team, and the varying responses from players to his coaching style. His account sheds light on the complexities of coaching at a club of such magnitude.

Hake’s collaboration with Ten Hag was rooted in a shared football philosophy that began during their time at FC Twente’s academy. They envisioned a playing style combining attacking creativity with defensive stability, heavily influenced by the principles of “total football.” Their goal was to create a cohesive system where every player contributed to both offensive and defensive phases. However, turning this vision into reality proved difficult, especially as tactical deficiencies in midfield frequently left the defense vulnerable. Despite their efforts to address this issue, it persisted, impacting the team’s consistency.

The players’ reactions to Hake’s coaching methods varied significantly. While some embraced his approach, others were less inclined to adjust their playing styles. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were among those who eagerly engaged with Hake’s guidance, focusing on improving their timing for deep runs. Bruno Fernandes also showed enthusiasm, often discussing tactical positioning with Hake during build-up plays. These interactions exemplified the kind of collaborative player-coach relationships Hake valued.

Conversely, some players resisted making changes, preferring to stick to their established methods. Hake approached these situations with understanding, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual preferences. He acknowledged that not all players are ready to adapt at a given moment, and as a coach, it is essential to accept such decisions and move forward.

Among the squad, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro stood out for his professionalism and football intelligence. Hake praised his ability to anticipate plays, describing him as a player with exceptional instincts and an unyielding desire to improve. Casemiro’s game-reading ability and mental resilience made him a pivotal figure on the field. Hake highlighted how Casemiro’s unique anticipation skills allowed him to sense situations before they unfolded, marking him as an invaluable asset to the team.

Hake’s tenure at Manchester United ended in November 2024 following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new manager. Although his next steps remain uncertain, speculation suggests he may reunite with Ten Hag at another club. Alternatively, Hake could return to a head coaching role, given his extensive experience managing teams like Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur, and Utrecht.

Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Hake acknowledged the difficulties of uniting a diverse squad under a cohesive vision. His tenure may have been brief, but it offered him valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of working with a team of Manchester United’s caliber. These experiences have further enriched his understanding of coaching at the highest level.

As Hake considers his next chapter, his passion for football and commitment to his craft remain evident. Whether as an assistant or head coach, his career trajectory will undoubtedly continue to captivate football enthusiasts. His contributions to the game, shaped by both challenges and successes, are far from over.