Former Manchester United assistant says new manager faces the difficulty of implementing his ideas in the midst of a storm beyond his control
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag has spoken out in support of current manager Ruben Amorim as the club faces its worst performance in the English top-flight since 1974.
Van der Gaag, who served as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at both Ajax and United before being dismissed in the summer of 2024, has the benefit of some behind-the-scenes knowledge of the volatile environment at Old Trafford.
In comments made to Portuguese sports news brand A Bola, Van der Gaag described the difficulty of the task facing the United head coach, amid the upheaval that has plagued the club since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of football operations.
“A coach always needs victories to get his ideas across and for the players to believe in him,” Van der Gaag said. “Coming in mid-season is always difficult, and even more so with the changes that are happening, especially outside the club.
“In the structure, training centre, stadium, and there are people who can’t stay at the club and will be fired. There’s a lot going on around the club. Then a top coach arrives here in Portugal, but he’s faced with this reality, he has no control over it and he needs to work.
“It’s not easy and I hope he has time to change because it’s not easy.”
