Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been presented with an insightful blueprint to outmanoeuvre a highly rated Premier League manager next season.
Erik ten Hag will enter his third campaign as Manchester United manager after the Red Devils retained his services following their end-of-season review.
The former Ajax boss’ future at Old Trafford has been shrouded in uncertainty after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos team took control of football operations at United.
Ten Hag had overseen a lacklustre Premier League campaign in the 2023-24 season, which culminated with the Red Devils finishing in eighth place.
United were unable to mount a successful top-four challenge and the Red Devils will now miss out on Champions League football for next season.
However, Ten Hag ensured United’s place in the Europa League next season after the Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Following the FA Cup win in May, the 54-year-old Dutchman had been waiting to hear from United and Ineos over his club future ahead of the pre-season.
United will stick with Ten Hag for the 2024-25 campaign, despite the Red Devils boss admitting that the club had spoken with manager Thomas Tuchel.
Ten Hag’s current deal with United will expire in 2025 and it is believed that the Red Devils have opened talks with the Dutchman over a new contract.
Ten Hag receives blueprint for one manager
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken openly about his time as PSV Eindhoven manager before he stepped down from his role in 2023.
Ruud van Nistelrooy led PSV Eindhoven to a Dutch Cup in his one and only season as manager, but his former side fell short of Feyenoord in the Eredivisie title race.
Feyenoord were led by Dutch manager Arne Slot in the 2022-23 season and finished seven points clear of Van Nistelrooy’s PSV side in the Eredivisie table.
Arne Slot will take charge of Liverpool in the 2024-25 Premier League season after the former Feyenoord boss succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Erik ten Hag previously crossed paths with Liverpool boss Slot during his time in charge of Ajax before he left the Dutch club in 2022 and moved to Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Coaches’ Voice, Van Nistelrooy expertly broke down the blueprint behind Slot’s tactics and how his playing style was implemented at Feyenoord.
“In the Eredivisie, I loved going up against Slot,” he said.
“His teams have a very recognisable style and he is very clear in his ideas. He built the Feyenoord squad on those ideas, and he got in the players who could deliver on them.
“It’s building up from the goalkeeper from the back, combination play and finding the free man everywhere, so you need to make sure your press is right.
But you also need to get your build-up sorted, because it’s high and intense pressure in your own half.
“Slot makes you prepare every game properly, but I loved that challenge. He has proven himself and his idea in Holland, and I am sure he can be very successful abroad as well.”
Van Nistelrooy on coaching in Europe
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been linked with a return to management, admitted that he deeply enjoyed the opportunity to coach a side in European competitions.
“And coaching in Europe is one of the best experiences I’ve had, as either player or coach,” he added.
“Of course, I have to mention that we didn’t qualify for the Champions League, which would have been even better – but playing in the Europa League was also amazing.
“Two group games against Arsenal – against a team at the top of the Premier League, and with a top manager.
“Mikel Arteta is another class act who is very clear in his ideas. You can see with the profile of the players he has brought in, and the time he has been given to develop his team, how much a club can grow.”