Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has offered a candid response after financial reports revealed the hefty sum the club paid to terminate his contract. The Dutchman was dismissed following a dismal start to the season, which saw United win only four of their first 14 games across all competitions.
The club’s financial statement disclosed that Ten Hag’s departure, including compensation for his coaching staff, cost Manchester United £10.4 million ($13.1 million). Alongside this, the Red Devils spent an additional £11 million ($13.9 million) to secure Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP, making the total cost of the managerial change over £21 million ($26.5 million).
In a recent interview, Ten Hag reacted humorously to the revelation, saying:“Well, I’ll have to use some of that money to dry my tears,” referring to the emotional toll of his departure from Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s Reflection on His Tenure
Despite the abrupt end, Ten Hag reflected on his time at United with mixed emotions:“I gave my all for the club, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. Football is a results-driven game, and I respect the decision. Still, it’s bittersweet because I believed in the project we were building.”
When asked about the high cost of his dismissal, Ten Hag added:“It’s football. Clubs make big investments, and sometimes those investments don’t pay off as expected. I hope Manchester United finds success with their new coach.”
A Message to the Fans
Ten Hag also took the opportunity to address United supporters, saying:“The fans were always incredible to me. Even in tough times, their passion for the club is unmatched. I wish the team and the supporters all the best for the future.”
Amorim Faces Financial Constraints
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim, who succeeded Ten Hag, has reportedly been informed of budgetary restrictions in upcoming transfer windows due to the financial impact of the managerial change. This could pose challenges for the Portuguese coach as he seeks to rebuild a struggling United side.
As Ten Hag moves on, his parting words and the club’s financial gamble underscore the high stakes of managing one of football’s biggest institutions. Whether Amorim can justify the cost remains to be seen.
