Manchester United were just recovering from the euphoria surrounding Kobbie Mainoo’s masterclass for England in the Euros semi-final but the news keeps on coming.
This summer has been one of remarkably high activity on and off the pitch and the hope that comes with the new era is palpable.
Ineos have decided to ring in the changes and while the impact of those are likely to be seen more in the long term, some will pay off immediately.
One of those will be in the staffing structure at United and the club has got one step closer to confirming their latest addition.
Rene Hake departure announced, club release goodbye video
Man United were set to hire Rene Hake as an assistant coach to Erik ten Hag in what was regarded as a coup for the club. That is because Hake had just led Go Ahead Eagles to European qualification through the league, a remarkable achievement for a club that size.
It was earlier reported that Hake has already been at the United training ground when the squad came back for pre-season, along with fellow Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooij, another new addition.
Now, Go Ahead Eagles have formally announced his departure for United in an official statement on their website.
The strength of his association with the club can also be seen as the official account has posted a video of about two minutes as a sort of emotional goodbye. It can be seen below-
It bodes well for United as one of the criticisms leveled against Mitchell van der Gaag, the departing United coach, was his hard approach and struggle to bond with the player.
Hake clearly leaves with a strong and emotional legacy at Go Ahead Eagles and United will hope he brings all of that and more to Old Trafford.
Coaching revolution at Man United
There were always expected to be changes when Erik ten Hag renewed his contract with United but the length and breadth of change has truly surprised many.
Three new additions to the coaching staff and the departure of Van der Gaag, who was basically Ten Hag’s shadow amounts to a revolution at United.
It looks like there is a conscious effort to bring a “soft touch” to United’s coaching team which makes Hake and Van Nistelrooij’s appointment perfect for what the club needs.
Sir Alex Ferguson was famous for periodically changing his assistant coaches as well and the new man brought fresh ideas and perspectives for the game. A different voice in the changing room can also work wonders and changing the staff around the manager works much better than the main man.
It remains to be seen what impact, and how quickly, the pair has on United but the hiding places for players will quickly disappear as Ineos keep ringing in the changes to optimise the structure around the club.
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