Manchester United icon Edwin van der Sar has shared his thoughts on Erik ten Hag’s tumultuous time at Old Trafford, admitting he was surprised by the Dutchman’s struggles.
Ten Hag joined United from Ajax in April 2022, a move that came during Van der Sar’s tenure as CEO of the Dutch club. His first season in charge was promising: a third-place Premier League finish and a Carabao Cup triumph marked a strong start.
Success followed in his second year with an FA Cup win, despite United recording their worst-ever Premier League finish.
However, the third season unraveled quickly. Ten Hag lasted only three months before being replaced by Ruben Amorim in November. His inability to replicate the tactical prowess and style of play he displayed at Ajax left fans and critics alike questioning the hire.
Van der Sar reflected on the challenges Ten Hag faced, pointing to Manchester United’s ongoing structural issues as a key factor. “It’s of utmost importance that all things are connected,” Van der Sar told Sky Sports.
“At Ajax, I saw how even one misaligned component could disrupt the entire system. I believe something similar happened at United.”
The legendary goalkeeper acknowledged that off-field changes at United, including restructuring efforts under the Glazers’ ownership and changes in the football hierarchy, played a role in the instability.
“The CEO position has changed multiple times, and the football structure wasn’t always aligned,” he noted.
Van der Sar expressed optimism that United’s revamped structure could provide more stability moving forward. “It seems they now have a clearer system where decision-makers can back each other up. That’s something Erik didn’t have during his time,” he said.
Reflecting on Ten Hag’s Ajax tenure, Van der Sar shared his initial expectations: “At Ajax, he achieved incredible success in Europe, with a style and tactical precision that wowed fans. I expected he could replicate that at Manchester United.”
As United looks to rebuild under new leadership, Van der Sar’s insights highlight the complexity of managing a club with the history and expectations of Manchester United.