Manchester United announced on Wednesday how much the club paid for the departure of Erik ten Hag and his staff. Meanwhile, Raphaël Varane has spoken out about his difficult working relationship with the Dutch manager.
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Ten Hag was dismissed by The Mancunians at the end of October last year, marking the end of a turbulent period for Manchester United under the Dutch manager.
His tenure, which had once promised a return to glory for the fallen English giant, ultimately unraveled due to a combination of poor results, internal conflicts, and a growing disconnect between the squad and the coaching staff. The decision to part ways with Ten Hag did not come cheaply. The club’s quarterly financial report for the period from October to December last year revealed that United had to pay €17.5 million in severance to Ten Hag and several of his backroom staff. The hefty payout underscores the financial burden associated with managerial changes at the highest level, particularly for a club that has seen a revolving door of coaches in recent years. Additionally, former sporting director Dan Ashworth, who was also relieved of his duties, reportedly received a €4.9 million severance package, further adding to the club’s growing expenses amid a period of instability.
Following Ten Hag’s departure, United’s coaching setup underwent further changes. Initially, his assistants Ruud van Nistelrooij and René Hake were kept on in a temporary capacity, providing some continuity as the club searched for a long-term replacement. However, it wasn’t long before Sporting Portugal coach Rúben Amorim was brought in, accompanied by a largely Portuguese backroom staff. The hope was that Amorim’s tactical philosophy and success in Portugal would translate into a revival for United, but the transition has been anything but smooth. Since Amorim’s arrival, United has struggled to find consistency and has endured a dramatic slide down the Premier League table, now languishing in 15th place. The drop in form has only fueled further criticism of the club’s decision-making, with many questioning whether United’s problems extend far beyond just the manager’s seat.
The fallout from Ten Hag’s tenure has continued even after his departure, with players now speaking openly about the difficulties they faced under his leadership. One of the most striking revelations has come from former United defender Raphaël Varane, who shed light on the fractured relationship between the Dutch coach and the squad.
Varane, who was under contract at Old Trafford from August 2021 to July 2024 before retiring due to persistent injuries, expressed his disbelief that Ten Hag had managed to stay in charge even after winning the FA Cup last season. "I was surprised that he stayed. There was already no connection between the team and the manager," the Frenchman told The Athletic. His comments reflect a sentiment that had been widely speculated in the media by the time of his dismissal, Ten Hag had lost the dressing room, and the atmosphere within the club had become increasingly toxic.
The former World Cup winner did not mince words when describing Ten Hag’s leadership style, offering a scathing assessment of the Dutchman’s approach. "He tried to earn respect through fear. The manager was always in conflict with key players in the squad. That was apparently his way of managing," Varane concluded. His remarks paint a picture of a tense environment where confrontation, rather than collaboration, defined the manager’s interactions with his players. Reports had long suggested that Ten Hag had strained relationships with several influential figures in the dressing room, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford.
Varane’s decision to speak out adds further weight to the notion that United’s struggles were not solely down to tactics or poor performances on the pitch, but also due to deeper issues in leadership and player management. His insight into Ten Hag’s methods suggests that the manager’s rigid and often authoritarian approach may have contributed to the team’s disjointed performances. It also raises questions about whether United’s hierarchy should have acted sooner to address the growing discord within the squad.
While Ten Hag’s exit was expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter for United, the club has yet to show signs of genuine progress under Amorim. Instead, they find themselves battling to stay out of the relegation zone, an unthinkable position for a club of United’s stature. The turmoil surrounding the managerial role has only added to the growing frustrations among fans, who have been desperate for stability and success after years of underachievement.
The coming months will be crucial for United as they attempt to steady the ship under Amorim. Whether the Portuguese coach can succeed where Ten Hag failed remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the problems at Old Trafford run deep. The fallout from Ten Hag’s reign continues to cast a long shadow over the club, and unless significant changes are made, United risks prolonging their struggles rather than overcoming them.
Updated: 03:26, 19 Feb 2025
