Erik ten Hag’s former Man United assistant opens up on exit from Old Trafford – as he reserves special praise for one unlikely Red Devils star

Former Manchester United coach Rene Hake has reflected on his short time working at Old Trafford.

Hake, 52, linked up with Erik ten Hag in the summer as part of a coaching overhaul when the Dutchman was handed a new deal despite speculation over his future.

Hake left his role as manager of Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles to move to United, but he only lasted four months at the club.

The 52-year-old departed along with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and goalkeeping Jelle ten Rouwelaar when Ruben Amorim arrived as Ten Hag’s replacement, with the Portuguese bringing his trusted group of staff with him to England.

Hake posted a heartfelt farewell message to the club last week and in an interview with Dutch outlet AD, he further looked back on his time at Old Trafford and opened up on what life is like under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

‘I don’t hold any grudges whatsoever,’ he said. ‘I had great interactions with the players, the staff, and everyone involved. I personally made it a point to say farewell to all, to ensure a positive ending.

Hake linked up with Erik ten Hag in the summer after leaving his role at Go Ahead Eagles

But he lasted just four months at the club after Ten Hag’s sacking and Ruben Amorim’s arrival

‘I wasn’t there long enough to really judge the direction of the club (but) what I sensed was a deep yearning to be a force again. 

‘To get back the winning culture from the Ferguson era, combined with the culture of Ineos, the new co-owner of United, who is successful in other sports.’

Hake also went onto discuss his experience working with several United stars, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

However, the 52-year-old reserved special praise for Casemiro, despite the Brazilian having faced much criticism over recent times.

‘With Casemiro, I often felt like he had an instinct for the game. When it really counts, he has this sixth sense.

‘He can anticipate what’s going to unfold on the field.’

Hake’s comments come after he posted a goodbye message to United last weekend as he prepares for the next chapter of his coaching career.

‘It has been a wonderful experience serving as assistant manager of Manchester United and, while it has ended sooner than I would have liked, I am leaving with nothing but good feelings about this great football club and its brilliant fans,’ wrote the Dutchman.

Hake also provided an insight into what life is like working under Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe

The 52-year-old reserved special praise for Casemiro and hailed the Brazilian’s quality

‘I would like to thank Erik ten Hag for giving me the opportunity, and all the players and staff for the strong connection and co-operation during this period. 

‘We tried so hard to get us on the right track this season, and we felt we could get there – but that’s football.

‘Now it’s time for me to rest and recharge before the next challenge, while wishing everyone at Manchester United all the success for the future.’

Meanwhile, United have won just one of their four Premier League games since Amorim took charge and they return to action on Sunday with an eagerly-anticipated Manchester derby against arch-rivals City.