This players are arrogant. Especially him. He is spoiling all the young players and they are learning from him. I was shocked when they said that to me after we told them what to do to help the team play well. He was the reason we where sacked and I regretted leaving my club for this club. If Rúben Amorim must sell him if he wants the players to listen to him”-Man Utd assistant who left after working with Erik ten Hag explains exactly what players used to tell him and it speaks volumes as he reveals who they learnt it from.

Rene Hake’s Candid Reflection on His Time at Manchester United

Rene Hake, who served as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United for a brief period between July and November 2024, has opened up about his experiences at Old Trafford. In an insightful interview, Hake delved into the complexities of his role, revealing the dynamics within the squad, the challenges of implementing a unified vision, and the mixed reactions from players to his coaching methods.

Building a Shared Vision with Ten Hag

Hake’s tenure at United was underpinned by a shared football philosophy with Ten Hag, rooted in their early coaching careers at FC Twente’s academy. This philosophy emphasized a harmonious blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, drawing heavily from the principles of ‘total football.’ Together, they aimed to instill a system where every player contributed equally to offensive and defensive phases.

However, translating this vision into reality proved to be a daunting task. By the latter stages of Ten Hag’s managerial stint, the team struggled with key tactical deficiencies, particularly in midfield. The porous nature of United’s midfield left the defense frequently exposed, resulting in opponents exploiting gaps with alarming regularity. Despite the duo’s tactical adjustments, this issue persisted, undermining their efforts to establish consistency in performances.

Mixed Reactions from Players

Hake’s interactions with the squad revealed a spectrum of responses to his coaching style. On one hand, several players embraced his methods with enthusiasm, eager to refine their skills. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, for instance, were particularly receptive.

“They were quick to engage in improving their timing with deep runs,” Hake shared in an interview. “It was rewarding to work with players so eager to evolve their game.”

Similarly, Bruno Fernandes showed a keen interest in tactical discussions, frequently engaging with Hake about positioning during build-up phases. Fernandes’ openness to dialogue exemplified the kind of player-coach relationship Hake valued.
However, not all players were as willing to adapt. Some resisted making changes to their established playing styles. Hake reflected on these instances with understanding.

“Sometimes, a player will say, ‘At this moment, I’d rather not change anything about my game.’ That’s okay—you accept it and move forward,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of respecting individual player preferences.

Casemiro: A Standout Performer

Among the squad, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro stood out as a model of professionalism and football intelligence. Hake spoke highly of the veteran’s ability to read the game and his relentless desire to improve.

“It’s about football intelligence,” Hake explained. “Seeing solutions, the capacity to learn, and the mental resilience to execute something perfectly—even on the 36th attempt.”

Hake was particularly impressed by Casemiro’s anticipation skills, describing him as a player with a unique instinct for the game.

“When it really matters, he has an antenna—he already senses what’s going to happen on the field,” Hake noted, emphasizing the midfielder’s pivotal role in the team.

What Lies Ahead for Hake?

Rene Hake’s stint at Manchester United came to an end in November 2024 following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new manager. While Hake’s next move remains uncertain, there is speculation about a potential reunion with Ten Hag at a different club. Given his extensive managerial experience with clubs like Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur, and Utrecht, Hake could also return to a head coaching role.

Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Hake acknowledged the challenges of implementing a cohesive vision in a team with diverse personalities and expectations. Despite his brief tenure, his insights provide a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics within a club of Manchester United’s stature.

As he contemplates his next chapter, whether as an assistant or a head coach, Rene Hake’s career trajectory will undoubtedly remain a point of intrigue for football observers. His passion for the game and commitment to his craft suggest that his contrib

utions to football are far from over.

Rene Hake’s tenure at Manchester United offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of modern football management. As Erik ten Hag’s assistant, Hake was entrusted with the challenge of translating a shared football philosophy—rooted in their early days at FC Twente—into success at one of the world’s most demanding clubs. While his time at Old Trafford was short-lived, Hake’s reflections shed light on the opportunities and obstacles he faced in this high-pressure environment.

### **Building a Tactical Identity**

Hake’s emphasis on blending attacking flair with defensive discipline aligned closely with Ten Hag’s approach. Together, they sought to implement a version of ‘total football’ that demanded every player contribute seamlessly in both attack and defense. However, Manchester United’s tactical frailties, particularly in midfield, often undermined their efforts. The inability to shield the defense consistently led to vulnerabilities that opponents exploited, exposing the challenges of instilling a cohesive system in a squad grappling with form and confidence.

### **Player Dynamics and Mixed Responses**

Hake’s coaching style elicited varied reactions from the squad. Players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes embraced his methods, showing enthusiasm for improving specific aspects of their game. Rashford and Garnacho focused on perfecting their off-the-ball movements, while Fernandes engaged deeply in tactical discussions.

Yet, Hake acknowledged that not all players were equally receptive. Some preferred to stick with their established styles, a choice he respected. This dynamic highlighted the delicate balance between pushing for tactical evolution and honoring individual player autonomy—a key challenge in managing a high-profile team.

### **Casemiro: A Model Professional**

One of the standout figures during Hake’s tenure was Casemiro, whose professionalism and football intelligence left a lasting impression. Hake praised the Brazilian midfielder’s ability to anticipate play and his relentless pursuit of improvement, describing him as a player with a rare instinct for the game.

“Casemiro’s understanding of the game is extraordinary,” Hake remarked, emphasizing how the veteran midfielder’s anticipation and resilience elevated the team in critical moments.

### **Reflecting on His Time at Old Trafford**

Hake’s departure in November 2024, following the appointment of Ruben Amorim, marked the end of a brief but impactful chapter. Reflecting on his experiences, Hake recognized the challenges of integrating diverse personalities and expectations within a unified tactical framework. Despite these difficulties, his insights into the squad’s dynamics and his emphasis on fostering growth resonate as key takeaways from his time at the club.

### **What’s Next for Rene Hake?**

As speculation mounts about Hake’s next move, the possibility of a reunion with Ten Hag remains on the cards. Alternatively, his extensive managerial experience could see him return to a head coaching role. Regardless of his future direction, Hake’s passion for football and his commitment to tactical innovation suggest that his contributions to the sport are far from over. His tenure at Manchester United, though brief, offers valuable lessons for both coaches and players in navigating the complexities of top-level football.