Erik ten Hag"s Manchester United loses 2-1 at Utrecht testimonial

During the international break, Manchester United's manager Erik ten Hag returned to his former club Utrecht to participate in a testimonial match for veteran defender Mark van der Maarel. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Ten Hag's side, which consisted of former Utrecht players. Van der Maarel, who retired after spending his entire career at Utrecht, had been managed by Ten Hag from 2015 to 2017. After the match, Ten Hag expressed his admiration for Van der Maarel's contributions to the club over his fifteen-year tenure. The defeat adds to the pressure on Ten Hag, as Manchester United has struggled in recent matches, losing their last two Premier League games against Liverpool and Brighton. The team is now preparing for an upcoming match against Southampton, where they will be eager to return to winning form. Ten Hag's participation in the testimonial was granted by United, highlighting the respect and connection he maintains with his former club. Despite the loss, Ten Hag's commitment to his role at Manchester United remains strong. He is focused on improving the team's performance and is supported by the club's management, who believe in his capabilities as a coach. The club's leadership is dedicated to providing Ten Hag with the necessary resources to succeed, allowing him to concentrate on tactical planning and training. As the season progresses, the pressure will be on Ten Hag to turn around the team's fortunes. The upcoming matches will be crucial for restoring confidence and achieving the desired results, as the Red Devils aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks.