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.

Former Manchester United Assistant Rene Hake Reflects on His Old Trafford Experience

Rene Hake, who served as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United from July to November 2024, has revealed intriguing insights about his brief tenure at Old Trafford. Speaking candidly, Hake shared what players often said to him and reflected on the challenges and dynamics within the squad.

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A Shared Vision with Ten Hag

Hake’s football philosophy, much like Ten Hag’s, emphasizes a balanced approach, blending attacking creativity with robust defensive structures. Both developed their coaching ethos at FC Twente’s academy, where the principles of ‘total football’ were deeply ingrained. At United, this vision aimed to ensure every player contributed equally on both ends of the pitch.

However, during the later stages of Ten Hag’s reign, United struggled to implement this philosophy effectively. A porous midfield often left the defense exposed, allowing opponents too many opportunities on goal—a problem that persisted despite the duo’s tactical efforts.

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Player Reactions to Hake’s Guidance

Reflecting on his interactions with the players, Hake noted mixed responses to his coaching approach.

• Positive Reception:
  Hake highlighted Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho as players eager to refine their skills.

  “They were quickly open to working on their timing with deep runs,” Hake told AD.

  Bruno Fernandes, too, engaged in discussions about positioning during build-up play.

• Resistance to Change:
  Hake admitted that some players were less willing to adjust their game.

  “Sometimes, a player will say: ‘At this moment, I’d rather not change anything about my game.’ That’s okay—you accept that too.”

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Casemiro’s Football Intelligence

One player who stood out during Hake’s time at United was Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder earned praise for his sharp instincts and mental strength.

“It comes down to football intelligence—seeing solutions, the ability to learn, and the mental aspect of wanting to execute something well, even on the 36th attempt,” Hake explained.

He also remarked on Casemiro’s unique ability to anticipate play:

“When it really matters, he has an antenna—he already feels what’s going to happen on the field.”

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What’s Next for Hake?

Following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as United’s manager in November 2024, Hake departed his role at the club. His next steps remain uncertain, though speculation surrounds whether he might reunite with Ten Hag at a new club. With previous managerial stints at Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur, and Utrecht, Hake’s experience could see him return to a head coaching role.

While his time at Old Trafford was brief, Hake’s reflections shed light on the challenges of implementing a cohesive vision in a club with diverse personalities and expectations. Whether he continues as an assistant or steps back into a managerial role, Hake’s career will remain one to watch.