Erik ten Hag is a Dutch football manager, renowned for his tactical intelligence, disciplined approach, and commitment to developing young talent. He was appointed Manchester United’s manager in April 2022 and tasked with restoring the club’s fortunes after several years of underperformance. Before joining United, ten Hag made his name managing Ajax, where he led the team to domestic dominance and a thrilling run to the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His football philosophy emphasizes total football, with pressing, possession-based play, and tactical flexibility at its core.
Early Career and Success at Ajax
Playing Career
As a player, Erik ten Hag was a reliable defender, mainly playing as a centre-back for clubs like FC Twente, Utrecht, and RKC Waalwijk. His understanding of the game from a tactical perspective laid the foundation for his approach as a coach.
Coaching and Early Managerial Roles
After retiring as a player, ten Hag gained experience in various coaching roles, including a stint as the manager of Bayern Munich II from 2013 to 2015, where he learned from figures like Pep Guardiola. This period refined his tactical philosophy and understanding of high-intensity, possession-based football.
Ajax (2017–2022)
Ten Hag gained prominence at Ajax, where he implemented a high-pressing, attacking style of football, blending experienced players with youth academy products. His most notable achievement was guiding Ajax to the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, defeating Real Madrid and Juventus along the way, before being eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion.
- Eredivisie Titles and Domestic Success: During his time at Ajax, ten Hag won three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups, establishing the club as the dominant force in Dutch football. He also helped to develop several young stars, enhancing his reputation for nurturing talent.
Erik ten Hag’s Appointment at Manchester United (2022)
In April 2022, Manchester United announced Erik ten Hag as their new manager, tasked with rebuilding a club that had struggled in recent years. United had failed to consistently challenge for major trophies since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and ten Hag was seen as the right figure to restore the club’s identity and success.
First Season: 2022-2023
Ten Hag’s debut season at Manchester United showed both promise and challenges, as the team adapted to his demanding tactical system.
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Carabao Cup Victory (2023): In February 2023, ten Hag led Manchester United to their first trophy since 2017, winning the Carabao Cup by defeating Newcastle United 2-0. This victory was seen as a crucial milestone, ending the club’s six-year trophy drought.
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Top Four Finish and Champions League Qualification: United secured a top-four finish in the Premier League, ensuring a return to the UEFA Champions League. This marked significant progress for the club after several inconsistent seasons.
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FA Cup Final (2023): Manchester United reached the FA Cup final, where they faced cross-city rivals Manchester City. In a dramatic match, United triumphed 2-1, securing a major domestic trophy and preventing City from achieving a treble. Bruno Fernandes scored a decisive penalty, and the team’s resilience in this high-stakes match earned widespread praise.
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Player Development: Ten Hag played a key role in revitalizing Marcus Rashford, who had his best season under ten Hag’s management, while new signings such as Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez became crucial to United's successes.
Tactical Philosophy at Manchester United
Ten Hag’s tactical philosophy is rooted in possession-based football, pressing, and quick transitions. Drawing inspiration from the total football concept, ten Hag emphasizes versatility and fluid movement among his players.
- High Pressing: His teams aggressively press opponents high up the pitch, aiming to win possession quickly and exploit defensive weaknesses.
- Positional Flexibility: Players under ten Hag are expected to be versatile, with a focus on quick ball movement and intelligent positioning to create chances and dominate possession.
- Youth Development: Consistent with his time at Ajax, ten Hag continues to integrate young talents into the squad, including Alejandro Garnacho, who has emerged as a rising star.
Leadership and Discipline
Ten Hag swiftly established himself as a strong leader at Manchester United, enforcing high standards of discipline and commitment. His decisive handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure after public criticisms of the club demonstrated his focus on team cohesion and long-term success. Ten Hag’s leadership and communication skills have played a key role in fostering a sense of unity and professionalism within the squad.
Dismissal
Erik ten Hag was dismissed as Manchester United manager after a difficult start to the 2024-25 season, leaving the team struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table. Despite previous successes, including an FA Cup win and Carabao Cup victory, United’s form had sharply declined,
Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed as interim manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement. |
