Following his recent dismissal from Manchester United, Erik ten Hag is choosing to take a step back and reflect before plotting his next career move. The Dutch manager, who had joined United with high expectations, finds himself at a crossroads after a turbulent stint in the Premier League that ended abruptly just a week ago. While Manchester United moved swiftly to replace him with Ruben Amorim, Ten Hag appears to be in no rush, opting instead for a break to recharge and reconsider his future options.
Ten Hag has returned to his homeland, where he was spotted attending a match between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda in the Eredivisie over the weekend. This appearance back in the Netherlands suggests he may be reconnecting with his roots, taking solace in familiar surroundings as he contemplates the next chapter of his managerial journey. Known for his meticulous approach and tactical acumen, Ten Hag likely understands the importance of this time off, seeing it as an opportunity to recalibrate before reentering the demanding world of European football.
Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United was challenging. Despite some bright moments, he left with the club languishing in a disappointing 14th place in the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League after three matches without a victory. The pressure mounted quickly, and ultimately, the club’s leadership felt a change was necessary to revive their faltering campaign. It marked an anticlimactic end for Ten Hag, whose success at Dutch clubs Utrecht and Ajax had previously made him one of Europe’s most sought-after managers.
In his previous roles, particularly at Ajax, Ten Hag had made a name for himself by building strong, cohesive teams that could punch above their weight in European competitions. However, his tactical style and methods faced greater challenges in the Premier League, where the intense scrutiny and fierce competition proved difficult to overcome. Nevertheless, Ten Hag’s reputation remains intact in many parts of Europe, where his achievements with Ajax, especially their deep run in the Champions League, are still well-regarded.
Dutch journalist Tijmen van Wissing recently shared his thoughts on what might come next for Ten Hag. Speaking to FC Update, van Wissing speculated that Ten Hag could still have a few notable stints left in European football. “My guess is that Ten Hag will have one or two more big European adventures,” he remarked, suggesting that Ten Hag’s tactical prowess and coaching style could attract interest from top clubs across the continent. Van Wissing also noted that PSV Eindhoven could be a possible destination, particularly if current manager Peter Bosz were to depart in search of opportunities abroad.
Expressing confidence in Ten Hag’s ability to bounce back, van Wissing added, “I have faith in Erik ten Hag. I believe he will do two or three more jobs.” This endorsement reflects the enduring respect Ten Hag commands in the footballing community, where many believe he has the potential to make a strong return at the right club. His next move could involve a fresh start with a team where his preferred style of play and developmental focus might yield greater success than it did in Manchester.
As Ten Hag reflects on his brief yet intense experience at Manchester United, he may also consider how best to adapt his approach for future roles. With his tactical experience and leadership, there is little doubt he will find new opportunities, perhaps returning to the Dutch league or venturing into other European leagues where his methods are more likely to thrive. For now, though, Ten Hag appears to be content taking a pause, watching from the sidelines, and recharging before stepping back onto the footballing stage.