Arne Slot expresses feelings about rivalry with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag
Slot and Ten Hag first faced each other in the 2019/20 Dutch Eredivisie season. Ten Hag had just started his managerial career at AZ Alkmaar, while the title race between Ajax and AZ was exciting before it was paused and ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both clubs were tied on 56 points with similar records, only separated by goal difference. Since then, Ten Hag went on to win two more Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022 before being appointed as United’s new manager.
Slot, on the other hand, moved to Feyenoord and helped re-establish the club’s status at the top of Dutch football. In 2022, he guided Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final and led them to their first Eredivisie title since 2017 last season. Recently, Slot lifted the KNVB Cup. However, Ten Hag’s future with United is uncertain as they are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League.
There’s speculation that his era at the club may end, leading to a new era in Manchester and Merseyside. If he stays, Ten Hag and Slot could potentially face each other next season in one of the world’s most intense rivalries. It’s evident that Slot highly respects Ten Hag, as seen in his comments during Ten Hag’s tenure at United, where he praised him for paving the way for other Dutch coaches.
