"It will explode somewhere" - Dutch manager details key error Erik ten Hag made during his stint as Manchester United manager
Former Dutch manager Guus Hiddink shared his thoughts on where Erik ten Hag went wrong at Manchester United, detailing the 54-year-old's key error during his time at Old Trafford. Ten Hag was dismissed from his role as head coach of the Red Devils on October 28 after being in charge for two and a half years.
Erik ten Hag was appointed by Manchester United in April 2022 on a contract valid until June 2025, with the option of extending for a further year. In his first season, the Red Devils ended up third on the Premier League table while winning the EFL Cup.
However, United's performance nosedived in the 2023-24 season, where Manchester United finished eighth in the league, their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era. However, Ten Hag led his squad to the FA Cup title, beating rivals Manchester City in the final.
Even though the Red Devils triggered the one-year extension in Erik ten Hag's contract in July, United struggled at the beginning of the ongoing season and the Dutchman was sacked.
Talking about Erik ten Hag's time at Manchester United, Guus Hiddink stated that the former Ajax boss failed to integrate into the culture at Old Trafford. He told Voetbal Primeur (via GOAL):
"Everyone does it in their own way, but I was surprised at how many confidants Erik gathered around him. Then you end up on an island, which makes it more difficult to integrate into the culture of your new club and is watched with suspicion."
Drawing from his own illustrious managerial experience, Hiddink emphasized the importance of a coach learning about the club or country he is in charge of. The former PSV Eindhoven manager said:
"I always took one assistant abroad with me, with whom I could map out things in the field of football. I therefore opted for local trainers and supervisors. People who knew the club or the country well."
"You play a role in how you are judged. Sometimes approach it with a wink. I mean, we are talking about football, not about war and peace. You should not respond to force that comes your way with force. Then it will explode somewhere.”
Since his dismissal as Manchester United's head coach in October, Erik ten Hag has not been appointed by any other club as of yet.
Manchester United reportedly interested in Liverpool transfer target Milos Kerkez
German journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Manchester United are keen on signing Milos Kerkez, who is also on Liverpool's transfer target list. The 21-year-old left-back is currently playing for AFC Bournemouth and his contract there is valid until the summer of 2028.
The Red Devils' reported interest in Kerkez comes as their newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen his squad. Liverpool, meanwhile, are reportedly considering the Hungary International as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.
Milos Kerkez arrived at Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. He has made 45 appearances for the club so far while providing three assists.
