After his recent departure from Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has opted for a temporary break from coaching, using this time to recharge and carefully consider his next steps in football. The Dutch manager, who joined Manchester United with great expectations, now finds himself at a critical point in his career after a surprisingly brief and challenging stint in the English Premier League.
Manchester United quickly appointed Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s replacement, but the former Ajax manager is in no rush to take on a new role. Instead, he is pausing to thoughtfully evaluate his future options in the sport. Recently, Ten Hag was spotted back in the Netherlands, attending a game between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. His appearance at the match suggests he is reconnecting with familiar surroundings as he reflects on his career trajectory and his next move.
Renowned for his detailed, tactical approach to coaching, Ten Hag appears to be using this time away from the pressures of management to regain perspective. A break like this could allow him to return with renewed energy and focus before pursuing another high-profile position in European football.
During his time at Manchester United, Ten Hag faced a number of challenges. Although he delivered some promising performances, the team’s overall league position at the time of his departure was disappointing, as they were placed 14th in the Premier League standings. In addition to domestic struggles, the club had difficulties in the Europa League, which further intensified the scrutiny around Ten Hag’s management. This led Manchester United’s leadership to make a change, thus ending a tenure that began with the hope of revitalizing the team based on Ten Hag’s previous success in the Eredivisie with Utrecht and Ajax.
Ten Hag initially gained widespread respect in European football for his achievements with Ajax, where he crafted a well-structured, disciplined squad capable of competing with top European teams. His tactical approach, emphasizing organization and team cohesion, brought Ajax notable success in the Champions League, earning him recognition and praise across Europe.
However, the level of competition in the Premier League brought new challenges, and despite some standout performances, Ten Hag’s results ultimately fell short of the expectations set by the club and its supporters. Despite his struggles in England, Ten Hag’s accomplishments with Ajax have preserved his reputation as a skilled manager, and he remains well-regarded in the football community.
Dutch journalist Tijmen van Wissing recently speculated on potential next steps for Ten Hag. In a conversation with FC Update, he suggested that Ten Hag would be an appealing candidate for other top European clubs, mentioning PSV Eindhoven as a possible fit if their current manager, Peter Bosz, were to leave. Van Wissing expressed confidence in Ten Hag’s prospects, suggesting he may take on two or three more high-profile roles in his career, which reflects the level of respect he commands within the sport.
As Ten Hag considers his options, he may also take the opportunity to refine his approach, drawing on the lessons from his Manchester United experience. With his tactical expertise and proven leadership, he could thrive with a club that aligns more closely with his coaching philosophy. For now, however, Ten Hag seems content to take a step back, observing the game from the sidelines as he recharges for the next chapter in his coaching career.
