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Mitchell van der Gaag opens up about his time at Manchester United

Former assistant manager shares mixed feelings on his two-year spell at the club.

July 24, 2025 at 04:26 PM

Former Erik ten Hag assistant reveals what 'disappointed' him about Manchester United spell

Former assistant Mitchell van der Gaag reflects on his positive yet frustrating tenure at Manchester United.

Mitchell van der Gaag shares mixed feelings on Manchester United experience

Mitchell van der Gaag, former assistant manager at Manchester United, expressed both pride and disappointment regarding his two-year stint at the club. Joining in May 2022 alongside Erik ten Hag, van der Gaag enjoyed immediate success, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup. However, he felt let down by the team's inability to advance in the Europa League, where they exited in the quarter-finals against Sevilla. Van der Gaag labeled his time at Old Trafford as "wonderful" overall but noted that strange results marred the second season's performance. His tenure ended when the coaching staff was overhauled, leading him to take the head coach position at FC Zürich.

Key Takeaways

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Van der Gaag had a mixed experience at Manchester United.

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He felt proud of winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final.

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Disappointment stemmed from the team's exit in the Europa League.

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His second season was marked by inconsistent performances.

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He gained valuable insights into the Premier League during his time.

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His departure reflects the pressures of football management and team expectations.

"I think it was two wonderful years. They were very positive and I learned a lot."

Van der Gaag reflects on the overall value of his time at the club.

"The only disappointment was that we could have been better in the Europa League."

His candid admission about the team's performance in a key competition shows his expectations.

"We won the FA Cup. It puts everything in a positive way."

This quote highlights the significance of the cup win in framing his entire experience.

"There were games we were winning comfortably and then drawing or losing."

Here, van der Gaag addresses the unpredictable nature of his team's performance.

Van der Gaag's reflection highlights a common tension within football management: the balance between initial success and ongoing expectations. While the achievements under his guidance were significant, his disappointment in the Europa League suggests that even a strong start can lead to pressure for greater results. The inconsistency in performance speaks volumes about the challenges faced by even seasoned teams in high-stakes competitions. It raises the question of whether managerial changes truly address underlying issues or merely shift the responsibility.

Highlights

A strong start can quickly turn into high expectations.
Two years of learning amidst the highs and lows of football.
Football management is a constant balancing act of success and pressure.
Inconsistency reveals the true challenges of a storied club.

Concerns over Manchester United's coaching strategy

Van der Gaag's departure after mixed results raises concerns about stability and continuity in management. Such changes can affect team performance and fan support.

As van der Gaag embarks on a new chapter in Zurich, Manchester United continues to navigate its own challenges.

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manchester united mitchell van der gaag erik ten hag football coaching football sports management

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