Ineos cut the cord on Erik ten Hag’s tenure as Manchester United manager after a very poor start to the season.
Erik ten Hag began as Manchester United manager in 2022 and secured a third placed finish in his opening season at the club.
Last season United finished in eighth place, and were in 14th position when Ineos cut the cord, sacking the Dutchman.
Bruno Fernandes was the first player to pay tribute to Ten Hag, before Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot and numerous other first team players left messages in response.
Willy Kambwala adds to tributes
Erik ten Hag handed debuts to seven players during his time as Manchester United manager.
One of those was centre-back Willy Kambwala, handed his debut in late December 2023 away at West Ham.
Kambwala was sold to Villarreal in the summer, and has no hard feelings towards Erik ten Hag. Instead, he reveres him.
The Frenchman paid tribute, writing: “Every time I remember my first minutes as a professional, I remember that you are the one who trusted me.
“Opportunities after opportunities you have allowed me to live experiences that I dreamed of as a child. Thank you for everythings coach and good luck for the future.”
Hannibal message in bad taste
Another former Manchester United youngster sold in the summer was Tunisia international Hannibal Mejbri.
Hannibal became desperate to seal his exit in the summer after a very frustrating pre-season tour where he barely got any minutes. He was eventually sold to Burnley.
While he did not make his debut under Ten Hag, he was given his first Premier League start under the Dutchman early last season.
He posted at the same time Kambwala did, a picture of himself with a short message, ignoring Ten Hag entirely.
“Who care, just smile!!”, Hannibal wrote
It was a message in bad taste, yet plausible deniability that it had anything to do with his former manager’s sacking.
“You know what you are doing,” one fan wrote in response, while another added: “Well that’s just naughty. Take back any positive thing said about you now.”
Hannibal has not posted since. If it was an unfortunate coincidence, he has had plenty of time to clear up any unintended consequence of his post – and pay tribute to the Dutchman. He has not done so.
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