These players are arrogant. Especially him. He is spoiling all the young players and they are learning from him. I was shocked when they said that to me after we told them what to do to help the team play well. He was the reason we were sacked and I regretted leaving my club for this club. If Rúben Amorim must sell him if he wants the players to listen to him”. Man Utd assistant who left after working with Erik ten Hag explains exactly what players used to tell him and it speaks volumes as he reveals who they learnt it from.

Rene Hake Reflects on His Brief Tenure at Manchester United

Rene Hake, who worked as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United from July to November 2024, recently shared his experiences at Old Trafford. In an interview, Hake discussed the challenges of his role, the squad’s dynamics, and the varying reactions to his coaching style.

Collaborating with Erik ten Hag

Hake’s time at United was built on a shared football philosophy with Ten Hag, forged during their early coaching days at FC Twente’s academy. Their approach combined offensive creativity with defensive organization, drawing inspiration from the principles of ‘total football.’ Together, they sought to implement a system where every player contributed to both attacking and defensive phases.

Despite their alignment in vision, executing this approach proved difficult. The team grappled with tactical issues, particularly in midfield, where vulnerabilities often left the defense exposed. Opponents exploited these gaps, and despite tactical tweaks, the duo struggled to achieve consistent performances.

Varied Player Reactions

Hake observed a range of responses to his coaching methods. Some players were eager to embrace his ideas, including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who worked diligently on their timing for deep runs.

“It’s fulfilling to see players so willing to develop their game,” Hake shared.

Bruno Fernandes also stood out for his engagement in tactical discussions, often seeking advice on positioning during build-ups. Hake valued this level of interaction, highlighting Fernandes as an example of an ideal player-coach relationship.

However, not all players were as receptive. Some resisted changes to their established playing styles, a challenge Hake approached with understanding.

“Players have their preferences,” he explained. “Sometimes, they’re not ready to adapt, and that’s something you respect as a coach.”

Casemiro: A Role Model

Hake singled out Casemiro as a standout during his tenure, praising the Brazilian midfielder for his professionalism, tactical intelligence, and ability to anticipate plays.

“Casemiro has an incredible instinct,” Hake said. “He senses what will happen on the field before it unfolds.”

Hake also commended Casemiro’s mental resilience and dedication to mastering his craft, describing him as a pivotal figure within the squad.

Looking Ahead

Hake’s departure from Manchester United followed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new manager in November 2024. While his future remains uncertain, there is speculation about a potential reunion with Ten Hag at another club or a return to head coaching, given his experience with teams like Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur, and Utrecht.

Reflecting on his brief stint, Hake acknowledged the difficulties of uniting a squad with diverse personalities and playing styles. Nonetheless, his insights shed light on the complexities of managing a club of Manchester United’s magnitude.

As he considers his next steps, whether as an assistant or head coach, Hake’s dedication and passion for football ensure his continued influence on the sport. His career trajectory remains one to watch, with much more like

ly to come from the seasoned coach.