ERIK TEN HAG may have been given the backing of Manchester United bosses – but he will be back managing in Holland THIS WEEKEND.
Manchester United have a blank few days over the international break as they recover from back to back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.
But the Red Devils boss has agreed to take charge of one of the teams for a testimonial game at his old club FC Utrecht on Sunday.
And it provides the perfect chance for ETH to get back to winning ways before he clocks back on to the day job at Carrington early next week.
The game between the club’s current side and some of their former players has been organised to honour club icon Mark van der Maarel.
The 35-year-old full-back has recently retired after spending his whole professional career at the Galgenwaard Stadium.
Perhaps the most memorable spell was spent playing under ETH – so he approached the United boss to see if he would be willing to be part of the special occasion.
Ten Hag had a clear diary and was happy to say yes – after being given permission by United.
While the jury is out among many fans over his long-term future at Old Trafford, he is assured of a warm welcome back by the Utrecht faithful.
He played for them for one season but it was his achievements during his two and a half year spell in charge that mean he is fondly remembered.
MANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.
Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.
But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?
Andre Onana – 5
Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error.
Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.
Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.
Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Casemiro – 2
A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.
He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.
Marcus Rashford – 3
Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.
Subs
Toby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5
A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.
Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5
Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.
Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5
Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.
Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/A
Not on long enough to make an impact.
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In his first campaign in the hot-seat, he led them to the KNVB Cup final – where they lost to Feyenoord – and also to a fifth place finish in 2015/6.
The following year, they finished fourth – which was enough to earn a European spot and it caught the eye of Ajax, who approached him about taking over as their manager just after Christmas in 2017.
The Galgenwaard is expected to be a sell out for the fixture and van der Maarel said: “I’m looking forward to sharing memories all together.”
Ten Hag is due to take charge of one of the teams along with Rick Kruys – while Jan Wouters, Ton du Chatinier and Robby Alflen will be in the other dug-out.
