Rene Hake’s Candid Reflection on His Time at Manchester United
Rene Hake, who served as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United for a brief period between July and November 2024, has opened up about his experiences at Old Trafford. In an insightful interview, Hake delved into the complexities of his role, revealing the dynamics within the squad, the challenges of implementing a unified vision, and the mixed reactions from players to his coaching methods.
Building a Shared Vision with Ten Hag
Hake’s tenure at United was underpinned by a shared football philosophy with Ten Hag, rooted in their early coaching careers at FC Twente’s academy. This philosophy emphasized a harmonious blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, drawing heavily from the principles of ‘total football.’ Together, they aimed to instill a system where every player contributed equally to offensive and defensive phases.
However, translating this vision into reality proved to be a daunting task. By the latter stages of Ten Hag’s managerial stint, the team struggled with key tactical deficiencies, particularly in midfield. The porous nature of United’s midfield left the defense frequently exposed, resulting in opponents exploiting gaps with alarming regularity. Despite the duo’s tactical adjustments, this issue persisted, undermining their efforts to establish consistency in performances.
Mixed Reactions from Players
Hake’s interactions with the squad revealed a spectrum of responses to his coaching style. On one hand, several players embraced his methods with enthusiasm, eager to refine their skills. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, for instance, were particularly receptive.
“They were quick to engage in improving their timing with deep runs,” Hake shared in an interview. “It was rewarding to work with players so eager to evolve their game.”
Similarly, Bruno Fernandes showed a keen interest in tactical discussions, frequently engaging with Hake about positioning during build-up phases. Fernandes’ openness to dialogue exemplified the kind of player-coach relationship Hake valued.
However, not all players were as willing to adapt. Some resisted making changes to their established playing styles. Hake reflected on these instances with understanding.
“Sometimes, a player will say, ‘At this moment, I’d rather not change anything about my game.’ That’s okay—you accept it and move forward,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of respecting individual player preferences.
Casemiro: A Standout Performer
Among the squad, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro stood out as a model of professionalism and football intelligence. Hake spoke highly of the veteran’s ability to read the game and his relentless desire to improve.
“It’s about football intelligence,” Hake explained. “Seeing solutions, the capacity to learn, and the mental resilience to execute something perfectly—even on the 36th attempt.”
Hake was particularly impressed by Casemiro’s anticipation skills, describing him as a player with a unique instinct for the game.
“When it really matters, he has an antenna—he already senses what’s going to happen on the field,” Hake noted, emphasizing the midfielder’s pivotal role in the team.
What Lies Ahead for Hake?
Rene Hake’s stint at Manchester United came to an end in November 2024 following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new manager. While Hake’s next move remains uncertain, there is speculation about a potential reunion with Ten Hag at a different club. Given his extensive managerial experience with clubs like Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur, and Utrecht, Hake could also return to a head coaching role.
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Hake acknowledged the challenges of implementing a cohesive vision in a team with diverse personalities and expectations. Despite his brief tenure, his insights provide a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics within a club of Manchester United’s stature.
As he contemplates his next chapter, whether as an assistant or a head coach, Rene Hake’s career trajectory will undoubtedly remain a point of intrigue for football observers. His passion for the game and commitment to his craft suggest that his contrib
utions to football are far from over.