Erik ten Hag Reunites with Former Club as Manchester United Struggles Continue

Erik ten Hag is finally set to manage a game he truly can’t lose.

The under-pressure Manchester United boss has returned to Holland during the international break to manage a team of former Utrecht players for a testimonial honoring veteran defender Mark van der Maarel this Sunday.

The match, celebrating Van der Maarel's 17-year career at the Eredivisie club, will pit the ex-Utrecht squad against the current team—so, technically, Utrecht can’t lose!

Van der Maarel, now 37, personally asked Ten Hag, who has history with the club as both a player and manager, to step in. After securing permission from United, Ten Hag gladly accepted.

Adding a familiar touch, Utrecht will be playing in their traditional red and white colors, making the Dutchman feel right at home.

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This trip offers Ten Hag a brief reprieve from the mounting pressure at Old Trafford, where United have suffered back-to-back losses. Despite significant backing in the transfer market, the team was dealt a crushing 3-0 defeat at home by Liverpool on Sunday.

Ten Hag has used the international break to spend time with his son Nigel and daughters Kelly and Indy while Nations League qualifiers are underway.

Utrecht is expecting a sell-out crowd of nearly 24,000 at Stadion Galgenwaard, where their former coach is sure to receive a warm welcome.

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