Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag suffered loss as he returned to Utrecht for a testimonial for former player Mark van der Maarel.
Ten Hag was given permission to participate in the tribute game after Maarel retired at the end of the previous season after a long career with the club.
Ten Hag led Utrecht from 2015 to 2017 before returning to oversee a side made up of Utrecht alumni in a match against the current squad, which resulted in a narrow 2-1 loss for Ten Hag’s team despite Van der Maarel scoring an emotional goal near the end.
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Following the game, Ten Hag professed his respect for Van der Maarel on ESPN, saying: “It is apparent that I came here from Manchester for Mark. He has been extremely valuable to both me and FC Utrecht. It was not easy for him to achieve so much in fifteen years at a team like Utrecht. I want to give him that recognition.”
With this unique occasion concluded, Ten Hag will rejoin United as they prepare for an upcoming match against Southampton, hoping to recoup from successive Premier League losses to Liverpool and Brighton.
Following United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool, Ten Hag has come under increasing pressure. According to the Mirror, the club continues to back him.
“In terms of the contract, that was a decision made before both of our rivals,” said United’s new CEO Omar Berrada before the game.
“But, as I have stated, we’re quite pleased with that choice. Erik has our entire support, and we have worked extremely closely together during this transfer window. We’ll continue to work closely with him to assist him obtain the best outcomes from the team.”
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