Erik ten Hag was playfully teased when he was appointed as Ajax boss, the 'Tukker' hailing from the east region of the Netherlands where the people are known for their no-nonsense, grounded character traits.
Aside from turning up on his first day with his old FC Utrecht suitcase, the 52-year-old has lived up to this meticulous reputation throughout his playing and managerial career. Former FC Twente teammate Boudewijn Pahlplatz said Ten Hag “built his career very carefully” - which led to him becoming captain.
“Even when he was playing, he was already a coach, always knowing better," he added. This hardline approach took him into management and his first job in a dugout at Go Ahead Eagles saw him end their 17-year exile from the Dutch top tier on his first attempt.
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Even back then he was studious about every detail, as his former centre back Bart Vriends explained to Sky Sports. Speaking about the kit lady setting out drinks for the players, he said: "She would put the drinks there just randomly. He [ Ten Hag ] wanted the drinks put out in straight lines. Everything had to be perfect in his eyes."
Further intricacies learned under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich between 2013 and 2015 preceded his own rise in management jumping from FC Utrecht to Ajax.
The early taunts of his methodologies were nullified after his 2018/19 league and cup double and celebrated by the time the north Haaksbergen man left for Manchester United having won a further two Eredivisie titles and another KNVB Cup.
His precise, high standards have been witnessed on a new scale this season as the global footballing limelight shines on his work at Carrington. Not only have the players positively relayed his demanding attitude to training but fans have been able to see this mindset for themselves.
He has been pinpoint in comments over hot topics, the most prominent of which was Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit. Even after the superstar's outbursts, the manager remained calm but assertive : “He [Ronaldo] did what he did. It is the past. I don’t spend energy. We go forward and we prepare.”
Ten Hag has been equally scrupulous in combing the market for his transfer targets. His well-documented chase of Frenkie de Jong was queried numerous times over the summer, and he outlined what his thought process was behind finding a defensive midfielder, which instead ended with a Casemiro purchase.
He said: "We are looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position. But it has to be the right one. We will strike the moment the player is available." Ten Hag has admitted he is searching for a goal-getter in January.
Ronaldo’s exit means only Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are United’s current number nine options. Ten Hag will know this purchase will be an important one in his rebuild, with it potentially being the difference between his first season at United being branded a success or not.
After spending £225m in the summer, Ten Hag will be handed a smaller wallet next month. But with mega-money Newcastle now making the top four quest a seven-horse race, United’s need to spend wisely has just increased in importance.
Ten Hag’s preciseness will be given the ultimate test in the winter market. However, he is staying with the mentality that got him so far in his career to date.
Responding to being asked whether he wanted to sign a striker in January, he said: “Yes, but only when we find the right player. We do everything in our power. We are doing research on every opportunity and we do everything we can if that opportunity is there to contract them.”
His meticulous approach to the game has served him well throughout his time in football and he won’t be abandoning it any time soon. There will be no snap transfer decisions from the Reds boss. But his blueprint will be put to the test with there now being just 36 days to wrap up his coveted attacker.
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