The Dutchman was let go by Man Utd on Monday afternoon. A run of poor results and poor performances led INEOS to pull the plug on his 2-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.
Almost a week later, the now former MUFC boss sent a letter to thank United for his time at the club.
Erik ten Hag:
"Dear fans,
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.
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”.
Final Thoughts
I'm still sad at his departure. It still feels strange that he is no longer the manager. I don't know why, but his sacking feels different to that of previous managers.
But he is gone and we have to move, which is something INEOS have done pretty quickly with the club announcing Ruben Amorim as the new head coach today, just four days after ten Hag's sacking.
That probably adds salt into the wounds of the Dutchman.
He had to go. He was just doing too many things that were wrong and frustrating and got to a point where he warranted the sack.
Despite being a ten Hag inner, those errors were indefensible.
The fans did support him throughout his time although there were a few skeptics from the start. However, there were a lot more fans who were behind ten Hag than not although towards the end, things got a little too toxic which was another reason to let him go.
Those two trophies (Carabao Cup and FA Cup) were two of the best moments we've had at United in a long time. We hadn't won one in six years before defeating Newcastle at Wembley to lift that Carabao Cup.
Beating City in the FA Cup final was amazing esepcially considering all the noise around the manager potentially being sacked regardless of what happens. The fact that not only did INEOS not sack him, they gave him a new contract (which perhaps makes INEOS look a little silly now) off the back of that unexpected win.
We should be thanking Erik for that.
The biggest thing I would like to thank ten Hag for though, is giving me some belief that there is a chance that we could get back to the top of football, where we belong.
That period post the World Cup to the Carabao Cup win was one of the best periods of football we've had at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
I was never more excited about a manager coming in than when Erik joined as I believed more in him than any other post Sir Alex although Jose probably made me feel this way. But then again, that is Jose, a serial winner who's been around for a long time.
But I hope that ten Hag goes and finds a club sooner rather than later as football is worse off without him. I wish him the best and I will be checking on him once he is back in management.
Thank you Erik.
Background Image: Erik ten Hag | Creator: Michael Regan | Credit: Getty Images via SuperSport