Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has written an open letter to the club’s fans days after he was sacked.
In a lengthy goodbye message, the former Ajax boss thanked United fans for the support they gave him throughout his tenure as the club’s manager.
He described the atmosphere at Manchester United as always electrifying due to the presence of the fans who endeavoured to turn up for matches whether at home or away in England or Europe.
The 56-year-old added that the unwavering support of the fans was his inspiration and he enjoyed every minute in the dugout as Manchester United manager.
He also extended his gratitude to the club’s staff in every department who worked with him to win two trophies (2022 EFL Cup and 2024 FA Cup) with the club.
On his dream for the club, Ten Hag revealed he had always wanted and hoped to win more trophies with United before the dream was cut short.
He then concluded his note by wishing the fans and club more success, trophies, and glory.
His full message reads thus;
“Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you. 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.
“The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents stadiums, whether the game was in England. Europe or during the summer tours.
“I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
”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.”
Why Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag was sacked just two months after he signed a new contract extension with Manchester United.
He was reportedly preparing for United’s pre-match press conference ahead of the EFL Cup round-of-16 clash against Leicester City before he was fired.
A day after being fired, he was spotted boarding a private flight off Manchester, marking the end of his 26-month spell in the dugout as Manchester United manager.
For United fans, his sack didn’t come as a surprise. A dragging run of poor results domestically and in Europe saw pressure pile up on the Dutch tactician.
United went five matches without a win after defeating Barnsley in the FA Cup. The winless run saw the club slip to 14th on the Premier League table and 21st in the 2024-25 Europa League rankings.
Some of Ten Hag’s bizarre records at Old Trafford this season included a 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool and losing with the same scoreline against Tottenham Hotspur.
His last game as United manager, which apparently broke the camel’s back, was a 2-1 loss to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
We reported earlier United have contracted Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim to succeed Erik ten Hag as United’s boss.
However, the club’s former player who worked with Ten Hag as assistant manager, Ruud Van Nistelroy, is currently taking interim charge of the team until the arrival of Ruben Amorim during the November international break.
What is next for Erik ten Hag after Man United sack?
Ten Hag remains an elite football manager despite his Manchester United deadlock. He dominated Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax and registered his presence on the European scene when he led Ajax to a historic 4-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the 2019 UEFA Champions League.
He is expected to return to the dugout soon but has yet to be linked with any offer. However, close sources reveal Ten Hag is not likely to take up another managerial job in the Netherlands but another big offer in Europe.
