I’m pretty sure Bayer Leverkusen are making a mistake when they have hired former Ajax and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. – During his time at Old Trafford, it became clear that the Dutch manager is not exactly a connoisseur of people.
Erik ten Hag clashed with several players at the club, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Rafael Varane.
Rafael Varane, who left Real Madrid in 2021 and came to Old Trafford, had the following to say about his time at Manchester United to the Athletic after he retired: “We had a big conversation, where we told each other things we thought, but then I didn’t play for almost two months. I said that I didn’t agree with certain things to do about the relationship between him and the team. It was something I thought was not good for the team, because some of the players were not happy at all.”
“It wasn’t good when it came to the relationship with the coach. He said, ‘Okay, I’ll hear what you’re saying,’ and after that I didn’t play.”
Normally, it would feel uncomfortable to reunite with a former Manchester United player he has sold, but we think it will slip through. Let’s hope Erik ten Hag has learned to listen and be humble during his months out of work.
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In October 2024, Ten Hag’s time as Manchester United manager came to an end after another disappointing start to the season. The Dutchman was replaced by Ruben Amorim, who impressed during his time at Sporting Clube de Portugal.
But Amorim has not been able to turn United’s fate around – the team lost the Europa League final to Tottenham on Wednesday night. Thus, United will be without European football next season.
Erik ten Hag is now taking over Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen after Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid.
… his impression of Bayer 04:
“I’m really happy to be here, and I’ve had a warm reception. The discussions with the management were very good. I have followed the Bundesliga and Bayer 04 for a long time. The club has always been innovative and has taken great strides towards becoming an absolute title contender in recent years. You can feel the winning mentality that has been created, everywhere in the club.”
… his style of play:
“I want to win, and in a certain way: with dominant, attractive football that engages people. Together with the players, staff and not least the supporters, I would like to build and develop something here. Off the pitch and in the locker room, it’s first and foremost about having a great team spirit.”
… a possible player swap:
“Players are definitely going to leave, but that’s part of the business. I am absolutely sure that we will have a fantastic squad and I am looking forward to it with great enthusiasm. At the end of the day, it’s about developing players and building a team that can be successful together.”
Embarrassing reunion awaits
In the summer of 2023, United sold goalkeeper Matej Kovář to Leverkusen because Erik ten Hag did not believe he had the capacity needed. He instead brought in Altay Bayindir as a back-up for André Onana.
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However, both Onana and Bayindir have delivered below expectations this season – leaving many fans wondering if the sale of Kovář was one of many misjudgments by Ten Hag and the club.
Since the transfer, Kovár has been part of Leverkusen’s European success:
- Played 12 games in the Europa League last season when the team reached the final
- Has played 15 games in total in the 2024/25 season
Ten Hag will come face to face with a player he himself gave away – and who has flourished after his departure from United.
The situation highlights how important goalkeeper choices can be, and how managerial decisions can come back and haunt them later in their careers.
