Rene Hake Refutes Transfer Claims: "Ten Hag Did Not Sign Players for Manchester United"

Former Manchester United assistant coach, Rene Hake, has sparked conversations with his claim that Erik ten Hag, the club’s manager, did not personally sign players for the Red Devils. Hake, who previously worked as a manager at Go Ahead Eagles before serving as Ten Hag’s assistant, revealed his perspective during an interview with Voetbal International.

Hake’s comments come in the wake of Manchester United’s tumultuous start to the season and the managerial criticism surrounding Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford.

According to Hake, the narrative that Ten Hag handpicked United’s signings is misguided.
“It is often said and written that Erik spent that money and that he brought in all those players. But that doesn’t make sense,” Hake remarked.

He emphasized that Manchester United relies on a vast scouting network, reportedly comprising around 40 individuals, to identify and evaluate potential signings. Decisions regarding transfers, he explained, are not solely in the hands of the manager.

“You now also see that Martínez, De Ligt, Onana, and Mazraoui are just regular players,” Hake continued, referencing players with ties to Ajax, Ten Hag’s former club. “They are just good football players. That has nothing to do with an Ajax past.”

A Defensive Stance Amid Criticism
Hake also expressed sadness over the dismissal of Ten Hag’s backroom staff, which he was part of, highlighting the support structure necessary for managerial success. His remarks are seen as an attempt to deflect some of the blame Ten Hag has faced, particularly regarding underperforming signings and inconsistent results.

Opinion: A Team Effort or Passing the Buck?
Hake’s comments underscore the complexities of modern football management, especially at a club as scrutinized as Manchester United. While managers often bear the brunt of criticism for transfers, it’s worth noting the collaborative nature of recruitment at top clubs.

However, some fans might view this as an attempt to shield Ten Hag from accountability. As the figurehead of the team, the manager’s approval or involvement in transfer decisions, even if indirect, is inevitable. Players like Lisandro Martínez and André Onana—both linked to Ten Hag’s Ajax days—only fueled speculation about the manager’s influence on recruitment.

Broader Implications
This discussion also raises questions about Manchester United’s recruitment strategy and whether the club’s scouting system is delivering the quality needed for sustained success. If Ten Hag’s influence on transfers was minimal, then the responsibility might shift to the club’s scouting and executive structure.

For fans, the priority remains the team’s performance on the pitch. Whether the signings were orchestrated by Ten Hag or the scouting team, the focus should now be on maximizing their potential and turning United’s fortunes around.

Looking Ahead
Hake’s revelations may offer insight into the inner workings of Manchester United, but they also highlight the challenges managers face in controlling their legacy. For Ten Hag, the spotlight remains firmly fixed, and his ability to steer the team through turbulent times will ultimately define his tenure.

What do you think? Should managers take full accountability for transfers, or is it time to revisit how clubs handle recruitment strategies?