Erik ten Hag’s former assistant at Manchester United, Mitchell van der Gaag, has weighed in on the turbulent situation that Ruben Amorim is facing at the club following a poor campaign. Van der Gaag was appointed United’s assistant manager in 2022, where he was tasked with working with Ten Hag. However, he moved on from his role following a coaching staff overhaul that saw the former manager relieved of his duties last October.
Ever since Amorim has taken over the head coach mantle at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have fallen further from grace. With 39 points from 36 games, they are currently languishing in the 16th position in the Premier League table. Amid the torrid form, reports have emerged that United are considering sacking the Portuguese manager.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Mitchell van der Gaag insisted that the managerial job at United wasn’t easy. He stressed the situation at the club lies beyond Ruben Amorim’s control but urged him to put in the work.
When quizzed about Manchester United experiencing a turning point, Van der Gaag said:
Amorim has managed 57 matches at United so far, losing 16 and winning 32. Most of his losses have come in the Premier League, where he has lost over half the matches he has managed.
In the same interview, Van der Gaag also spoke about what his biggest challenge was at Manchester United. Reflecting on his experience at the club, he described the Premier League as a beast to indicate how the competition is.
He said:
Since leaving Manchester United, Van der Gaag is yet to get a managerial role at any other club.
An ardent Chelsea fan, Ezekiel’s journey as a football fan began in his childhood, witnessing Ronaldinho dazzle with his skills. His interest in the beautiful game deepened after Nigeria were knocked out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he was impressed with the Super Eagles’ fighting spirit in their 2-2 Group B draw against South Korea. Some other World Cup matches which have left a deep impact on him were Belgium’s incredible comeback against Japan in the round of 16 of the 2018 version and the 2022 final.
Lionel Messi is the one true GOAT for Ezekiel and he also follows the Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League owing to him and Cristiano Ronaldo. When not writing, he spends his free time deepening his SEO knowledge and watching skits.
Quick Links
