Man Utd: Erik ten Hag ‘ruined’ by sack as Dutchman reveals heartbreaking reaction | Football | Sport

Erik ten Hag has been left “ruined” after Manchester United sacked him as manager on Monday, claims fellow Dutchman Hans Kraay Jr. The Red Devils parted ways with Ten Hag at the start of the week and are already primed to announce his permanent successor after starting the season with an abysmal run of results.

A 2-1 defeat at West Ham United last weekend left United in 14th in the Premier League, having won three and lost four of their opening nine games.

Ten Hag oversaw just four victories in 14 outings in all competitions, which left morale around the club at rock bottom before his inevitable dismissal.

The Dutchman reportedly received a jaw-dropping compensation package worth around £13.5million after extending his contract until 2026 in the summer.

However, Kraay Jr, a former Dutch footballer turned coach and TV presenter, has claimed he is in no celebratory mood.

In fact, the 64-year-old has revealed that INEOS’ dramatic U-turn months after deciding to back Ten Hag with a new deal, refreshed coaching staff, and £200m in the transfer market has left him distraught.

“I understand that he is getting €17m, and then people say: ‘he will go somersaulting through Manchester’,” Kraay Jr told Dutch outlet SoccerNews.

“No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined.”

He added: “At the moment, you don’t think about money. That will come later.

“I also don’t have the impression that I have to call him tomorrow to ask – can you still make ends meet, can you still get the groceries? Not that, but now he’s in trouble.”

United are set to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s replacement after reportedly reaching an agreement with Sporting.

The Portuguese coach is set to remain in Lisbon until the November international break, taking charge of games against Estrela Amadora, Manchester City and Braga.

In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy, brought back to Old Trafford by Ten Hag in the summer, will remain interim manager until the end of next week.

The Dutchman enjoyed an emotional night in Manchester on Wednesday and guided United to a 5-2 win against Leicester City to book a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham.

He will take charge for three more home matches, first against Chelsea in Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League encounter.

PAOK also visit Old Trafford next Thursday before Leicester return for a rematch, with both clubs desperate for points in the league.