Erik ten Hag wished Manchester United fans “nothing but success, trophies and glory” in the future after his dream of leading the club to more silverware came to an end.
Showing his class, Erik ten Hag has addressed Manchester United fans in a departing message.
“Let me start by thanking you,” it began as Ten Hag broke his silence just days after being dismissed.
United fans have been trying to get used to calling Ruben Amorim their manager following Friday’s official announcement, but Ten Hag has wasted no time getting what he needs off his chest.
Amorim will be tasked with giving United a sense of identity on the pitch and making the team more of a winning force in the Premier League. Ten Hag was unable to do that, but he delivered two trophies in his two-and-a-bit years at Old Trafford.
In Portugal, Amorim delivered two league titles at Sporting. The first was their first in 19 years, so he’ll be aiming to achieve a similar feat at United.
Amorim won’t take up his new job until the November international break, with Ruud van Nistelrooy serving as caretaker manager for three more games. It’d been claimed that Ten Hag was ‘devastated’ by United’s decision to sack him, having won a trophy in each of his two seasons in charge at Old Trafford.
Under INEOS, we know that two trophies isn’t enough to save a manager of the axe. They want United back competing for the biggest honours, including the Champions League. Ten Hag didn’t enjoy any success in Europe as United manager and last season’s miserable Champions League run tarnished his reputation at the club as did an even worse league campaign, with United finishing 8th.
In his farewell message, posted by SEG Football on X, Ten Hag detailed the support he received from United fans, who made him feel at home in Manchester. He showed admiration for the Old Trafford faithful and away support for getting behind the team no matter what.
Erik ten Hag statement
“Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. 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.
“I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
“I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. 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. 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.”
And I hope he can achieve success, trophies, and glory wherever he next manages.