The deadline day threw many curveballs at Manchester United, but nobody will remember it more than Erik ten Hag, for all the wrong reasons.
Erik ten Hag was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen amid the hustle and bustle of deadline day after just three competitive games in charge.
While Ten Hag’s reputation had taken a hit at Man Utd, he was put into a no-win position at Leverkusen as more than half the squad was sold.
He hadn’t managed to win a league game in two attempts, but the circumstances clearly weren’t kind to him. He’s made that point in a scathing blast at the club, making a Man Utd point in the process.
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty ImagesErik ten Hag fires back at Leverkusen
Any coach can feel aggrieved if they are relieved of their duties after just two league games, let alone in a season where the whole squad was dismantled.
Ten Hag can be forgiven for thinking that he’s effectively been used as a dummy by Leverkusen to take focus away from the gutting of the team.
That sentiment has been reflected in Ten Hag’s first comments after leaving Leverkusen, where he expressed surprise at the club’s decision while backing his credentials.
He said: The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.
“This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust. A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad, and leave his mark on the style of play.
“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately, the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.”
Ten Hag makes Man Utd point in remarks
The second-to-last paragraph, just before the gratitude for the fans, is particularly interesting from Man Utd’s point of view.
He stresses that the clubs that backed him for a full season were rewarded with silverware, which is an undeniable fact.
He won the Carabao Cup in his first season and went one better to win the FA Cup in his second season despite a campaign full of wretched performances.
At the same time, his constant talk of winning trophies had started grating on Man Utd fans at Old Trafford, and this instance of him recalling that is hardly going to bring him any sympathy.
Ten Hag was put in a difficult position at Leverkusen and clearly deserved more time, but the Dutchman talking about the silverware he won with Man Utd isn’t the winner argument he thinks it is.