Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag returns to winning ways during international break
Erik ten Hag returned to winning ways during the international break, albeit in a testimonial match of no importance.
He Manchester United The boss took charge of the FC Utrecht XI to honour club legend Marcel van der Maarel, who recently retired.
Ten Hag, a former player and coach of the Dutch club, led a team of former Utrecht players against a team of current stars.
Van der Maarel played for both teams and scored a late consolation goal as goals from Urby Emanuelson and Ruud Boymans sealed a 2-1 win for Ten Hag's men.
Centre-back Van der Maarel spent his entire 15-year playing career at Utrecht, making his debut in 2009 and making 397 appearances.
Reflecting on the defender's career, Ten Hag said: “If you stay at this club for so long, you are a character. He deserves it.”
The Dutchman will not attach much importance to a showpiece result as he has more important things to worry about at Old Trafford.
United went into the international break with Two consecutive defeats to Brighton and Liverpool respectively.
Ten Hag was expected to lose his job after United hit new lows during the 2023/24 Premier League season, but the club's FA Cup victory appeared to trigger a change of direction at managerial level.
The former Ajax manager has signed a new contract, although there are already doubts over his future with the Red Devils after a poor start to the 2024/25 campaign.
talkSPORT's chief football commentator Sam Matterface believes Ten Hag is already in the running to save his job, with former England manager Gareth Southgate a possible candidate to replace him.
“I've always said they'll give him until the fall,” Matterface said at the Sunday session.
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“And then, when autumn comes, if things haven't improved, they'll bring in someone else.”
Asked about Southgate's outlook as a manager, Matterface added: “I thought that's the type of person they want.
“They want someone who is going to build from scratch. They want an ambassador.
“They want someone who will handle things properly.
“I think Ten Hag has really faced some tough criticism in tough times over the years.
“He's been behaving pretty well, but he's started making some very strange and random statements.”
Old Trafford also hosted a tribute during the international break. Wayne Rooney starred in a match of legends Against Celtic.
The Red Devils legend scored a stunning free-kick, although his side were eventually beaten on penalties.
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