Yahoo Sports Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Rene Hake suggests some Man United stars rejected coaching advice
Former Manchester United coach Rene Hake has suggested that there were some players who rejected advice from the backroom staff.
Hake joined United in the summer from Dutch outfit Go Ahead Eagles, as part of INEOS’ reshuffle of the coaching set-up.
He was one of several appointments, including legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, Hake’s spell at Old Trafford was a brief one.
Following Ten Hag’s sacking in late October, he was also shown the exit door just a few days later.
New head coach Ruben Amorim preferred to come in with his own set of coaches and assistants, whom he worked with in Portugal at Sporting Lisbon.
Hake spoke to AD and reflected on his time with the Red Devils. He revealed that there were several players who were receptive to the coaching staff’s methods but there were a few others who demonstrated a reluctance to heed instructions.
The 52-year-old said, “It’s important that you are very clear. That way, nice conversations arise, even about personal matters. It works like that with everyone, showing genuine interest is always appreciated.
“[Marcus] Rashford and [Alejandro] Garnacho were soon open to working on timing their runs from deep. With Bruno Fernandes, it was a lot about choosing a position in our build-up.”
“But sometimes, players said, ‘I prefer not to change anything in my game at the moment’, and you have to accept that.”
He added, “[What sets top players apart] is football insight, seeing solutions, learning ability and mentality – the desire to execute something well and continuing to execute it well after 36 tries. With Casemiro, it was like he smelled things. When it really matters, he has an antenna, he can already sense what is going to happen on the field.”
On the United owners, Hake remarked, “I don’t hold a grudge. I worked well with the players, staff and other personnel. I said goodbye to everyone to end it well.”
“I was given a look behind the scenes of one of the biggest clubs in the world – and in the Premier League, the NBA of football. If you zoom out, I realise how special that is with my background.”
“I wasn’t there long enough to really judge the course of the club. What I did sense was a deep longing to be relevant again, to get back the winning culture from the [Sir Alex] Ferguson era, combined with the culture of INEOS, who have success in other sports.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they make their way to the Etihad to take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
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