Erik ten Hag has spoken publicly for the first time since his dismissal at Manchester United, thanking fans for their ‘unshakeable’ support throughout his tenure.
The 54-year-old was relieved of his duties on Monday on the back of a miserable run of results this season, with the Red Devils languishing down in 14th place in the Premier League table.
During his two-and-a-half-year stay at Old Trafford, Ten Hag steered United to two pieces of silverware, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, but club chiefs decided to call time on the Dutchman’s reign following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham last weekend.
Ruben Amorim – widely regarded as one of the finest young coaches in European football – has since been confirmed as Ten Hag’s successor, though the Portuguese will remain in charge of Sporting until the next international break.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim role will continue up until Amorim’s arrival, with the ex-Netherlands striker set to lead United at home to Chelsea this weekend after an entertaining Carabao Cup last-16 win over Leicester in midweek.
In a statement shared by Ten Hag’s agency, SEG Football, the recently departed manager said: ‘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.
‘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 and 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.’
Ten Hag hoped to be able to win more trophies at the Theatre of Dreams and is disappointed his reign was cut short before he was able to fulfil his ‘dream’.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
Amorim’s first match as a Premier League head coach will come against newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on November 24.
The highly rated 39-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years after ascending from Portuguese third-tier outfit Casa Pia to the Primeira Liga in just over a year.
Sporting appointed Amorim back in March 2020 and the former Portugal midfielder led the club to their first league title in 19 years before repeating the feat last term.
Having remained tight-lipped over United’s negotiations in recent days, Amorim is likely to discuss his appointment for the first time following Sporting’s clash with Estrela this evening.
Asked whether he had spoken to Ten Hag following his dismissal, United’s interim manager Van Nistelrooy told reporters: ‘Yes, I’ve seen him Monday here and I spoke to him yesterday before the game.
‘Obviously very disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club.
‘I think in the end it’s also clear in football that it’s the results. Erik also said that.
‘In pre-season we had the new style, we were all very positive and working very hard to bring the club forward.’
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