The structure of the coaching staff at Manchester United looks set for wholesale changes, with René Hake expected to be a remarkable addition.
Fabrizio Romano states the manager has confirmed he will take the role of assistant coach, likely seeing the exit of Mitchell van der Gaag.
Hake, often compared to Erik ten Hag for a similarly compact and defensive structure, guided Go Ahead Eagles to a 9th-placed finish in the Eredivisie – their best finish in 15 years.
Getting to know the Dutchman
At 52, the tactician has a wealth of experience – including stints at FC Twente, FC Utrecht, SC Cambuur and FC Emmen.
Ten Hag is a long-term admirer and was vocal in support of his compatriot when speaking to Voetbal International in 2023:
“We meet up and call each other,” the United chief stated.
“You talk about private matters, how things are going at home and with the children. But it is usually about football.”
The pride of the IJssel Kowet boss is a shrewd operator – known to have overachieved throughout his career.
The Dutch media outlet Voetbal Primeur highlighted his ability to create a team capable of playing free-flowing football regardless of the tools available.
His Eredivisie side enjoyed a proficient campaign, conceding 46 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets – the 4th best record in the league.
According to xvalue, Go Ahead Eagles conceded an average of 17.29 shots per game – with the league average of 14.11 shots per game.
Despite the positives, this may be an area of concern when considering the alarming number of shots United conceded during the 2023/24 campaign.
Is it time to get excited?
Fans of the FA Cup champions are cautiously optimistic regarding each decision made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS – this appointment should be no different.
Total Analysis Football claims Hake’s side is a compact and disciplined defensive unit – possessing one of the lowest passes per defensive plays (PPDP) totals this season.
With his team conceding an average of 17.29 shots per game and United conceding an average of 17.6 shots per game, there is cause for concern in some respects.
Despite this, the De Adelaarshorst crew have been productive in front of goal, registering 283 shots on goal – the 5th-best in the division.
Furthermore, of the 283 shots, 45.6% have been on target – highlighting his ability to cultivate a positive attacking element.
In October 2023, after a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City, ten Hag told Viaplay: “The football we played at Ajax, we will never play here”.
The addition of Hake will assist the Haaksbergen man in transforming United to play more like de Godenzonen.
The two share similar tactical visions and may be capable of further implementing his style of play at United.
United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is also set to join the coaching staff and would turn down the managerial position at Burnley in the process.
His undeniable attacking prowess will inevitably lead to additional focus on Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
These two appointments represent a powerplay by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and solidify further trust in Erik ten Hag for the coming season.
It remains unclear how the best-in-class backroom team will line up, but the prospect of the group is undeniably mouthwatering.
How do you feel about the potential setup of Ten Hag’s coaching team? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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