Manchester United linked Rene Hake has spoken out on Manchester United’s interest, while at an awards ceremony.
Rene Hake was always pretty unlikely to end up holding aloft the Rinus Michels Award – handed out annually to the best coach in the Eredivisie – given the manner in which Peter Bosz’s outstanding PSV Eindhoven side stormed to the title.
But Hake’s inclusion among the nominees is a testament to the outstanding work he has done at Go Ahead Eagles over the last 12 months.
Hake’s unfancied, overachieving Go Ahead side ended the campaign in ninth. It was their best finish in over 15 years.
So while Hake is certainly still a rather left-field choice to assist Erik ten Hag at Manchester United – along with Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy – a quick glance over his CV tells you that the 52-year-old not only excels when building teams better than the sum of their parts, but that he also shares Ten Hag’s view of the game.
Read more: Who is Rene Hake? Manchester United want coach Ten Hag called ‘incredibly driven’
Rene Hake opens up on Manchester United talks
Speaking to ESPN after missing out on the Rinus Michels gong to the aforementioned Bosz, Hake opened up on Man United’s interest for the first time.
There has been no shortage of goodwill coming his way, even if Hake is at pains to point out that nothing has been signed at this stage.
“I have received many congratulations, but they are not yet fully justified. It is in the offing, but it is not yet officially completed,” the former FC Twente boss explains.
“We are waiting until everything is formally completed.
“You know that all the legal matters have to be checked. You just have to be patient, but it can’t go fast enough for me.”
Ten Hag and Hake go back a long way.
It was Ten Hag, Voetbal International explains, who brought Hake into the youth-team fold at Twente 19 years ago.
The two have kept in touch ever since, with Ten Hag quick to contact Hake and enquire about whether he would be keen to join the Ineos overhaul at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy set to arrive as well
“Erik called me and asked if I was open to it,” Hake adds. “I don’t think I have to explain that I didn’t have to think about it for very long before saying yes.
“It’s a great step for me and a great challenge. It’s great to gain experience in the biggest competition in the world.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, ‘formal documents’ are being prepared with their arrivals seemingly imminent.
The emotional homecoming of Van Nistelrooy, one of the most fearsome strikers in Premier League history, has certainly captured the imagination. But, make no mistake, this is not an appointment driven by only the heart and not the head.
“It surprised me a bit, because Ruud is ambitious as a head coach. That’s how I experienced him,” says Fred Rutten, who worked alongside Van Nistelrooy during the 2022/23 season at PSV, tells ESPN.
“But I think he would be excellent at this (new role at Old Trafford). Ruud van Nistelrooy is a legend. Rene Hake is a name that is less appealing, but he is very skilled. That is probably what Erik needs.
“(Van Nistelrooy) sees the game well. He can provide excellent training in the sense that he has a goal in mind, and then achieves that goal,” Rutten adds. “If he gives a message, (the players) don’t just take it for granted, they take it very seriously.
“But Rene Hake can do that very well too. In that respect, they fit together well.
“Everywhere he has worked, the team is good. Rene is very skilled in training theory, you can see that. “His teams are always quite fit.
“That can be an added value for Erik.”
