After his recent dismissal from Manchester United, Erik ten Hag is taking time to step back and reflect on his next career move. The Dutch manager, who arrived at United with high expectations, finds himself at a turning point following a challenging and abrupt stint in the Premier League, which ended just a week ago. While Manchester United quickly appointed Ruben Amorim as his successor, Ten Hag seems in no rush, choosing instead to take a break, recharge, and reassess his future.
Returning to the Netherlands, Ten Hag was seen attending an Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda over the weekend. This appearance suggests he’s reconnecting with his roots, finding comfort in familiar surroundings while he considers his next step. Known for his tactical expertise and meticulous approach, Ten Hag likely sees this time off as a valuable opportunity to recalibrate before diving back into the high-pressure world of European football.
Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was difficult. Despite some positive moments, he left with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League after three consecutive games without a win. The mounting pressure led the club’s management to conclude that a change was necessary to salvage their faltering season. It was an anticlimactic end for Ten Hag, whose previous success at Utrecht and Ajax had established him as one of Europe’s most promising managers.
At Ajax, Ten Hag earned a reputation for building strong, cohesive teams that could punch above their weight in European competitions. However, his tactical approach faced significant challenges in the Premier League, where the intense scrutiny and fierce competition proved difficult to navigate. Despite this, Ten Hag’s reputation remains strong in many parts of Europe, with his successes at Ajax, particularly their deep Champions League run, still highly regarded.
Dutch journalist Tijmen van Wissing recently offered his perspective on what might lie ahead for Ten Hag. Speaking to FC Update, van Wissing suggested that Ten Hag could still have a few significant roles left in European football. “My guess is that Ten Hag will have one or two more big European adventures,” he said, indicating that Ten Hag’s tactical insight and coaching style could attract interest from top clubs across the continent. Van Wissing also mentioned that PSV Eindhoven could be a potential destination, particularly if current manager Peter Bosz moves abroad in search of new opportunities.
Expressing confidence in Ten Hag’s ability to recover, van Wissing added, “I have faith in Erik ten Hag. I believe he will take on two or three more jobs.” This endorsement reflects the continued respect Ten Hag enjoys in the football community, with many believing he can make a strong comeback at the right club. His next move may involve a fresh start with a team where his preferred style of play and developmental approach could lead to greater success than it did at Manchester United.
As Ten Hag takes stock of his brief but intense experience at Manchester United, he may consider how to adjust his methods for future roles. With his extensive tactical expertise and leadership, there’s little doubt he will find new opportunities, whether returning to the Dutch league or exploring other European clubs where his style might flourish. For now, Ten Hag seems content to take a step back, recharge, and wait for the right moment to return to the footballing world.
