Erik ten Hag is having the toughest time in his managerial career. His team, Manchester United has made an abysmal start to the season. The Dutch manager has had to deal with player injuries, controversies, and the club’s ownership situation simultaneously. In doing so, he has guided the English team in the Premier League and the Champions League.
While the problems at the club continue, ten Hag’s future is up in the air, and the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made fans speculate about the departure of the current United manager. The Red Devils have been heavily linking the name of an ex-Premier League manager. Julen Lopetegui is the favorite to replace ten Hag if the Dutch departed.
Saudi Arabia’s Incredible wealth has attracted soccer players all over the globe. Veterans and young players alike have gone to the Middle Eastern country to earn some of the biggest soccer contracts. But, it seems that the money magic of Saudi didn’t work its magic on Lopetegui.
🚨 Julen Lopetegui, who has been linked with Manchester United, turned down a deal worth £15.4m-a-season from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad because he wants to return to the Premier League.
(Source: AS) pic.twitter.com/JxKEfA806e
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 6, 2023
As reported by the Spanish media outlet AS Julen Lopetegui was offered a whopping sum of $19.4 million to coach the Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ittihad. The huge contract would have made the Spaniard one of the highest-paid coaches in the world. Al Ittihad is one of the best teams in the league, boasting the likes of Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, Fabinho, etc. The club is the defending champions of the Saudi Pro League.
Julen Lopetegui has rejected the move, as he is hopeful of exciting opportunities in the Premier League. The former Sevilla and Real Madrid Coach has previously coached Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers. Lopetegui rescued Wolves from getting relegated when he arrived in the middle of the 2022/23 PL season.
The Spanish manager left the English before the beginning of the 23/24 PL season, as he was unhappy with the transfer budget and the financial condition of the club. Lopetegui’s exploits with Sevilla where he won the Europa League and his great work for the Spanish National team are well-known.
🚨 Marcelo Gallardo is the new coach of Al-Ittihad. @GerGarciaGrova 🇸🇦🟡⚫️ pic.twitter.com/kJdkdeZzTf
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) November 15, 2023
Several big Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, expressed interest in him. Al Ittihad has appointed the ex-River Plate coach, Marcelo Gallardo as the new manager of the club.
The Red Devils have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season under Erik ten Hag
Manchester United has made their worst-ever start to a season in the PL era in 2023/24. The Red Devils lost the opening three of their five games in the season. The only time this has happened was way back in 1930-31.
Erik ten Hag on his philosophy: “We want to play a proactive style of football – on the ball and off the ball. That is, trying to do that has to be our intentions. and it’s now, firstly, the coaches bring it over to the team that we are, in every situation, proactive.” [mu] #mufc
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 9, 2022
The Old Trafford which seemed to be known as “the theatre of dreams“, has been demolished by other PL teams. United have lost 5 and won 5 of their opening 10 home games in the Premier League season. The Red Devils haven’t been able to take the home advantage well. Manchester United are 7th on the Premier League table at the end of matchday 14.
In the Champions League too, the team has played some poor football. The club is at the rock bottom of Group A. They have lost to comparatively easier teams like Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while also losing to Bayern Munich. Erik ten Hag has a mammoth task in front of him to rescue the constantly derailing season of United.