Erik ten Hag's old assistant manager reveals the main disappointment from their failed stint in charge of Man Utd

A former assistant manager to Erik ten Hag has revealed what the biggest disappointment from his spell at Manchester United was.

  • Van der Gaag spent two years at Man Utd

  • Worked as Ten Hag’s assistant manager
  • Reveals biggest let down from stint

Erik ten Hag's old assistant manager reveals the main disappointment from their failed stint in charge of Man UtdErik ten Hag's old assistant manager reveals the main disappointment from their failed stint in charge of Man UtdErik ten Hag's old assistant manager reveals the main disappointment from their failed stint in charge of Man Utd

Exclusive Insights: Mitchell van der Gaag Reflects on Manchester United Tenure

As the football world gears up for another thrilling season, former assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag shares candid thoughts on his time at the club alongside Erik ten Hag. His revelations highlight the highs and lows of their journey, offering a fresh perspective on what could have been during their challenging period at Old Trafford.

Mitchell van der Gaag’s Journey at Manchester United with Erik ten Hag

Mitchell van der Gaag collaborated with Erik ten Hag over two campaigns from 2022 to 2024, contributing to triumphs like the and FA Cup victories. Now leading FC Zurich, he departed from the Red Devils amid a staff overhaul last summer. While he cherishes his experiences at the iconic stadium as enriching, he points out that their showings on the continental stage fell short of expectations.

Positive Reflections on a Memorable First Season

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, van der Gaag expressed: “Reflecting on my period at Manchester fills me with optimism. Those two years were truly remarkable, filled with growth and valuable lessons. The initial season stood out as we secured third in the league, lifted the Carabao Cup, and reached the FA Cup final. The sole regret, from my viewpoint, was our underwhelming performance in the . Overall, though, it set high hopes for further progress in the following year.”

Challenges and Surprises in the Turbulent Second Year

“The 2023-24 campaign turned out to be quite unpredictable,” he continued. “We didn’t meet standards in the or . Matches often swung dramatically-we’d dominate only to end up tying or losing. Yet, clinching the FA Cup at the close provided a redeeming highlight. Across those seasons, I gained immense knowledge on Premier League dynamics, playing styles, and strategic adaptations. It was an experience I truly valued.”

Timing of Departure and Manchester United’s Ongoing Struggles

Van der Gaag’s exit from United might have been well-timed, considering Ten Hag’s dismissal shortly after. The club’s fortunes have dipped further, with Ruben Amorim’s team ending the previous term in a disappointing 15th position in the Premier League-a stark contrast to their storied past. Nevertheless, van der Gaag’s era delivered two major trophies, outpacing many post-Ferguson managers since 2013. Recent updates show Manchester United aiming for a resurgence, with preseason preparations indicating a potential climb back to top-six contention in the 2025-26 season, bolstered by new signings and tactical tweaks.

Looking Ahead: Preparations for the New Season

With van der Gaag at the helm of FC Zurich, Ten Hag now steering , and Manchester United under fresh leadership, all eyes are on the upcoming 2025-26 campaigns. Each team is ramping up for league kickoffs in August, promising exciting developments in European football.