Erik ten Hag Set to Manage FC Utrecht in Testimonial Game Despite Manchester United Backing
Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United boss, may have received the backing of the club’s hierarchy, but he will be returning to manage in the Netherlands this weekend. Manchester United has a break from fixtures during the international break, giving them time to recover from their consecutive defeats against Brighton and Liverpool. However, instead of resting, ten Hag has agreed to take charge of one of the teams in a testimonial game at his former club FC Utrecht on Sunday.
The testimonial game is being organized to honor Mark van der Maarel, a club icon who recently retired after spending his entire professional career at the Galgenwaard Stadium. Van der Maarel had a memorable spell playing under ten Hag during the manager’s two-and-a-half-year tenure at the club. As a result, he approached the United boss to see if he would be willing to be part of this special occasion. With a clear schedule and permission from Manchester United, ten Hag happily accepted the invitation.
While opinions about ten Hag’s long-term future at Old Trafford are divided among fans, he is assured of a warm welcome back from the Utrecht faithful. Although he only played for the club for one season, it was his achievements as a manager that have left a lasting impression. In his first season, he led the team to the KNVB Cup final, and in the following year, they finished fourth, securing a European spot.
The testimonial game at the Galgenwaard Stadium is expected to be a sell-out, as fans gather to celebrate van der Maarel’s career and share memories together. Alongside ten Hag, Rick Kruys will also be managing one of the teams, while Jan Wouters, Ton du Chatinier, and Robby Alflen will be in the other dugout.
This gesture from ten Hag highlights his commitment to the game and his respect for his former club and its players. It’s an opportunity for him to get back to winning ways before returning to his day job at Carrington next week. By taking charge of this testimonial game, ten Hag demonstrates his passion for football and his willingness to contribute to the sport beyond his immediate responsibilities.
Ten Hag’s involvement in the testimonial game showcases the strong bond and mutual respect between the manager and FC Utrecht. It also reflects the positive impact he had during his time at the club. This unique experience allows him to reconnect with his roots and serves as a reminder of the success he achieved there.
Overall, while the international break provides Manchester United with a chance to regroup and strategize for their upcoming fixtures, Erik ten Hag is seizing the opportunity to give back to his former club. His willingness to manage FC Utrecht in a testimonial game demonstrates his commitment to football and his appreciation for the experiences and relationships that have shaped his career.