Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United on Monday but was back in a football stadium by Saturday, taking in an Eredivisie match in the Netherlands with his entourage.
Erik ten Hag has jumped straight back into football after being sacked by Manchester United.
Ten Hag lost his job at United on Monday following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham and immediately flew back to the Netherlands to reflect on his dismissal. The Dutchman narrowly avoided an awkward meeting with the man who sacked him, Omar Berrada, at the airport.
He and his staff received a £14million pay-out by United, who were forced to pay up after giving Ten Hag a new contract in the summer. Given his huge payday, Ten Hag might not be in a rush to land a new job, but he clearly enjoys being around the game.
The 54-year-old was spotted in the stands at the Erve Asito stadium on Saturday watching Heracles Almelo take on NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie. Ten Hag was seen wearing a flat cat and coat while sitting alongside his entourage in the stands.
He was treated to a 2-0 home win, with Brian De Keersmaecker scoring both of Heracles’ goals. It wasn’t a long trip to Almelo for Ten Hag, who was brought up in nearby Haaksbergen and still has lots of family in the area.
Ten Hag may well be trying to take his mind off things, having been left “devastated” by the sacking at Old Trafford after two and a half years of work. He felt he deserved more time to turn things around, despite taking just 11 points from United’s opening nine Premier League games.
He summed up his feelings in a heartfelt message released on Friday, shortly after Ruben Amorim was confirmed as his replacement. “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable,” he said in a statement.
Erik ten Hag’s last match in charge of Manchester United came against West Ham last Sunday ( Image: PA)
“I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”
United beat Leicester 5-2 with Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge on Wednesday and it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag can bring himself to watch their Premier League game against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
