Erik ten Hag ‘Completely Devastated’ by Man Utd Sacking, Says Former Teammate

In the early hours of Friday, November 1st, Manchester United announced that just three days after firing Erik ten Hag, they hired a replacement in Ruben Amorim. Formerly managing Sporting Lisbon, he took the side from languishing in mid-table to one of the best teams in Portugal, winning their first league title in two decades. The coach had been highly revered throughout Europe, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich scouting the Portuguese man.

However, sources close to ten Hag reveal how upset he is by the decision. It happened after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which left Manchester United in 14th place after nine matches played. They are also in danger of not qualifying for the Europa League knockout rounds, currently sitting at 21st in the new-look Europa League table.

Hans Kraay Jr. — who played with ten Hag at De Graafschap — had this to say per Dutch outlet Voetbalzone:

“I understand that he is getting €17million and then people say: ‘He will go somersaulting through Manchester.’ No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined. At the moment you don’t think about money. That will come later. I also don’t have the impression that I have to call him tomorrow to ask — ‘can you still make ends meet, can you still get the groceries?’ Not that, but now he’s in trouble.” 

Similarly, compatriot and interim manager of Manchester United (until today) Ruud van Nistelrooy said ten Hag is very disappointed.

“I’ve seen him Monday here and I’ve spoken to him yesterday before the game. Obviously, [ten Hag] is very disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club,” he said in the pre-match press conference vs Chelsea this weekend.

Van Nistelrooy added more:

“I said also yesterday in the first conversation we had for me to come back to the club with him I really felt that he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring this club forward and that’s why we connected, and that’s why he’s also hurt that he had to leave but also proud of his achievements here with the two cups and obviously the history that he’s leaving with that.”

Despite this, Erik ten Hag managed to win trophies with Manchester United, which included the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup — which notably came after a major victory over rivals Manchester City in the Final. ten Hag also had the misfortune of having new major signings such as Leny Yoro pick up a long-term injury before the start of the season.