"He is completely ruined" - Erik ten Hag's ex-teammate sheds light on how Dutchman feels after Manchester United sacking
Manchester United's decision to sack Erik ten Hag left the Dutchman devastated, according to his former teammate Hans Kraay Jr. The Dutch coach was dismissed on Monday (October 28), ending a 26-month reign at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag led the Red Devils to two trophy wins in as many years, but there were huge concerns over a lack of playing identity. He's received a lucrative payoff after his sacking but appears to be disappointed.
Kraay Jr touched on Ten Hag's mood and how he's reacted to losing his job as Manchester United manager. He said (via mufcMPB):
"I understand that he is getting €17m and then people say: ‘he will go somersaulting through Manchester’. No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined."
Ten Hag signed a new one-year contract extension in the summer. INEOS decided he was the right man to guide the Red Devils into a new era. They backed the Dutchman with five new signings in the summer.
Yet, Manchester United made a poor start to the season, the worst after seven games in their Premier League history. A defeat away to West Ham last Sunday proved decisive for Ten Hag with the team 14th in the league.
Ten Hag has yet to speak publicly following his departure. He arrived at Old Trafford in July 2022 and oversaw 72 wins in 128 games.
Ten Hag could bounce back at Borussia Dortmund following Manchester United sacking: Reports
Manchester United have wasted no time at all finding a permanent replacement for Ten Hag. Ruben Amorim is closing in on becoming his successor and will take charge of the Red Devils after November's international break, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Ten Hag has flown back to the Netherlands following his United exit but could make an immediate return to management. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Borussia Dortmund are watching his profile amid a concerning run under new manager Nuri Sahin.
There is a belief at Signal Iduna Park that Ten Hag's style could be a good fit for the Bundesliga side. He previously worked in Germany as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Bayern Munich.
Sahin replaced Edin Terzic as BvB manager in the summer after the German parted ways following a UEFA Champions League final loss. They sit seventh in the Bundesliga table, with four wins and three defeats in eight games.