Erik ten Hag 'completely devastated and completely ruined' by Man Utd firing despite receiving whopping £17m payout

Ten Hag's dismal run in the Premier League with Manchester United left INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe no choice but to sack the Dutchman. The former Ajax boss had saved his skin by winning the FA Cup last season but could not improve his team in the opening games of the 2024-25 term. It has now been revealed by Ten Hag's former team-mate, Hans Kraay Jr, that he has been left "completely devastated" and "completely ruined".

Quoted by Voetbalzone, Kraay Jr said: "I understand that he is getting £17 million and then people say: 'he will go somersaulting through Manchester'. No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined. 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."

Ten Hag is understandably upset about being fired, but he had more than enough time to make significant strides at Old Trafford. After over two years in the job, United were far from challenging for the Premier League title or even the top four. Add on the numerous signings he has made and there really were no more excuses left for the 54-year-old.

With Ten Hag set to take a break from management, who knows where he will emerge next. United managers have sometimes struggled to land a big gig after their stint at the Theatre of Dreams but Ten Hag will likely have options either back in the Netherlands are elsewhere across Europe. Meanwhile, United have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.