Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag to take up new part-time job

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be taking up a new role during the international break, and the temporary role could provide some welcome relief for the Dutchman.

United have failed to start the season in a convincing manner, the Red Devils suffered a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Liverpool with pressure mounting on Ten Hag to make the right choice. However, the former Ajax manager is set to be afforded a happy homecoming at former club Utrecht this Sunday.

Erik ten Hag will take charge of a team made up of former players for Mark van der Maarel’s testimonial match.

The veteran defender reportedly requested his former boss be involved, with a team of former Utrecht players taking on a team composed of current Utrecht stars.

Van der Maarel, 35, has spent 17 years with the club and made 363 top-flight appearances. He was coached by Ten Hag from 2015 to 2017, before the now United coach left for Ajax.

During Ten Hag’s two-year stint, the club reached the KNVB Cup final and qualified for the Europa League. During his playing career, he also spent a season at the Station Galgenwaard as a player.

A sell-out crowd of almost 24,000 spectators is expected at the venue this weekend. Though Ten Hag and United players were booed off by home supporters following the Liverpool debacle, Ten Hag is likely to be given a generous reception on this occasion.

Ten Hag is also expected to take time to visit family members in his home country during the international break. However, he will return to England ahead of a critical clash for his side away at Southampton on September 14.