- Erik ten Hag was fired by Manchester United earlier this week after a bad start
- The Red Devils quickly took action and appointed Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim
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Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been spotted in a football stadium for the first time since his dismissal earlier this week.
The Dutchman’s reign as United boss ended on Monday morning after the controversial 2-1 defeat to West Ham.
Ten Hag’s two and a half years at Old Trafford brought FA Cup and Carabao Cup honors, but his side underperformed in the league, especially in his final full season, which ended with the club finishing eighth – their lowest ever position in the Premier Competition.
Ten Hag quickly flew back to the Netherlands after his discharge and has now been spotted at a match in the Dutch Eredivisie between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.
The 54-year-old was there to witness the home side’s 2-0 win thanks to a Brian De Keersmaecker brace at the Erve Asito Stadium.
Erik ten Hag (top row, middle) has been found in a football stadium for the first time since he was fired by Manchester United earlier this week
The Dutchman’s two-and-a-half-year reign came to an end after a controversial defeat to West Ham
United co-owners Ineos had chosen to retain confidence in the Dutchman at the end of last season, but were forced into action after their dismal start to the season
His observation comes just a day after the former Ajax manager drew a line under his time as United boss by writing a heartfelt message to supporters. In it he thanked his backroom staff and insisted he wished the club nothing but success in the future.
‘Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you.’ He said. ‘Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was a game away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unwavering.
‘Thanks to you, the atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electric. I’ve felt it many times. Also on away games it was an incredible feeling for the team and me to hear the United chants take over the opposition stadiums, regardless of whether the match was in England. Europe or during the summer tours.
‘I have always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans all over the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the US – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
‘I want to thank you for making me feel this way and for your support. I would also like to thank the staff in every department of the club for their continued support in good times and bad.
‘We won two trophies; achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course it was my dream 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 made me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life.”
The Red Devils have appointed Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor
United recorded an emphatic 5-2 victory in the first match under interim Ruud van Nistelrooy
The United legend is preparing for his side’s match with Chelsea in the Premier League
United moved quickly to appoint Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, with the club confirming his signing on Friday. The 39-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with an option for a further twelve months. He will start work at Old Trafford later this month once a negotiated notice period has been fulfilled with his current club.
United, meanwhile, are managed by Ten Hag’s former assistant and Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman recorded an emphatic 5-2 victory in his first temporary match against Leicester.
United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League as they look to bounce back from their worst ever start, which saw them languish in 13th place.