Ex-Ten Hag assistant hits back over transfer 'nightmares' naming 4 players

Erik ten Hag’s former assistant, Rene Hake, denies the Dutchman was solely responsible for the club’s poor transfer decisions.

Hake, who joined Manchester United in the summer alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy as part of Ten Hag’s backroom team at United, spoke out following their departure in October.

Ten Hag was dismissed after a loss to West Ham, with Ruben Amorim taking over and replacing the entire backroom staff.

Critics have since highlighted United’s disastrous transfer dealings under Ten Hag, who oversaw a spending spree of more than £616 million with little to show for it.

Accusations also targeted Ten Hag’s penchant for signing former Ajax players.

However, Hake pushed back on these claims, insisting that Ten Hag wasn’t the driving force behind United’s transfer policy.

And he believes that the decision to sack the Dutchman was premature.

“Erik’s dismissal and my departure from Manchester have been crazy," he said.

"Over those four months at United, I could fill four VI Christmas specials,” Hake told Voetbal International.

“The fact is that we have not won enough. It’s just very sad. I also honestly think that if we had been given more time, we would have succeeded.

"Becoming champion has never been the goal; reaching the Champions League is.

“It is often said and written that Erik spent that money and that he brought in all those players.

"But that doesn’t make sense. Manchester United has a scouting force of 40 people or so.

"Erik did not deal with transfers on his own, and you now also see that Martínez, De Ligt, Onana, and Mazraoui are just regular players.

"They are just good football players, and that has nothing to do with an Ajax past.”

Ten Hag himself has only made one public statement since his dismissal, choosing not to address the reasons for his exit but expressing gratitude toward fans and staff.

In an open letter, he said: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club.

"Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.

"Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe, or during the summer tours.

“I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world.

"Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity.

"That’s what makes United supporters so special. I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support.

"I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.

"We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

"Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.

"I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies, and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik."