Dutch manager Erik ten Hag has penned a heartfelt message to Manchester United fans following his dismissal by the Premier League club on Monday, Afrosport reports.
The 54-year-old Dutchman and United parted ways after two and a half years in charge following a streak of poor performances that was capped off by their 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The Red Devils, however, have announced his successor, as Sporting boss Ruben Amorim becomes the club’s sixth permanent manager and will take charge from November 11.
Ten Hag finally broke his silence for the first time since the sacking, sending a message of thanks and support to United and its fans through an open letter released by his representatives, SEG Football, on Friday.
“Dear fans,” he wrote. “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, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
Ten Hag continued: “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.
“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.
“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”.
A message from Erik ten Hag pic.twitter.com/Iqxfup9V0B
— SEG Football (@SEG_Football) November 1, 2024
Ten Had joined United in April 2022 from Eredivisie club Ajax, and the Dutchman led the Red Devils to two titles—the Carabao Cup and FA Cup—including helping them end their six-year trophy drought.
He, however, has been under the microscope since last season, when United failed to make it out of the UEFA Champions League group stage as well as finishing eighth in the English top division, their worst finish in the Premier League era.
The new hierarchy at the club led by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe placed their faith in him after the FA Cup triumph and decided to hand him a new one-year contract despite initial reports of a possible termination.
The former Utrecht manager departed Old Trafford with United languishing in 14th position in the Premier League standings with 11 points from nine matches after garnering three wins, two draws, and four losses.
The 13-time Premier League champions are also lying in the 21st spot in the UEFA Europa League with three points from three matches following draws against FC Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce.
