ERIK TEN HAG finally got back to winning ways – but not in the way Manchester United fans would have wanted.
The Red Devils suffered recent losses to Liverpool and Brighton, adding to the pressure on the Dutch boss.
But he put those back-to-back defeats behind him as he managed an invitational XI in a testimonial match at his old club FC Utrecht on Sunday.
The match at Utrecht was organised to honour club icon Mark van der Maarel, who recently retired after a glittering 15-year stint at the Galgenwaard Stadium.
Van der Maarel, 35, spent his entire professional career with the club, making him a popular figure among fans and team-mates alike.
The testimonial match featured two teams made up of various current and former Utrecht players on either sides – with Van der Maarel playing for both.
Ten Hag agreed to take on one of the teams for the clash at his old stomping ground, where he played one season in 1995 before returning to manage for two years in 2015.
The match provided the perfect chance for Ten Hag to get back to winning before he clocks back on to the day job at Carrington early next week.
And he inspired his side with a passionate, stirring team talk in the dressing room before kick-off – with Van de Maarel starting on ‘Team 1’, managed by Ten Hag.
Goals from Urby Emanuelson and Ruud Boymans put ‘Team 1’ in front.
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Centre-back Van de Maarel, who switched sides after 30 minutes then came off for Van de Maarel Jr, pulled one back for ‘Team 2’ on 57 minutes.
But that was not enough to deny Ten Hag – assisted by ex-Utrech midfielder Rick Kruys – victory.
After the win Ten Hag praised Van der Maarel, saying, “If you stay at this club for so long, you are a character. He has so deserved this.”
Van der Maarel played 397 official matches for Utrecht after making his debut in 2009 for the Eredivisie side.
And is now third on the club’s all-time list of most games played.
Meanwhile, the win brings some much-needed relief during a challenging period for Ten Hag, who has been under scrutiny following United’s recent performances.
The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton on August 24 and a 3-0 loss to Liverpool on September 1.
They next face Southampton away on September 14 where Ten Hag will hope to get his side back on track – taking inspiration from his heroics in Holland during the international break.
