Erik ten Hag shows true colours with emotional final Man United message

Being a manager who has recently been sacked must make it particularly difficult to keep your composure when you finally bid farewell.

Erik ten Hag may feel particularly hard done by considering he stated clearly that the Manchester United project was long-term when he faced repeated questions about his future. And yet, little more than 100 days after being handed a contract extension by Ineos, the Dutchman was sacked following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham.

Ten Hag may also feel aggrieved considering the manner of the defeat being courtesy of a controversial penalty awarded by VAR intervention. The fact Ruben Amorim has been appointed the same week will also lead him to question whether this was always the plan for him at United.

READ MORE: Why United moved for Amorim

READ MORE: What next for Ten Hag after United sack

Despite all of these thoughts going round his head, Ten Hag managed to provide a classy statement in his first comments following his departure. "Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you," he wrote in his open letter.

"Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.

"Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours. I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world.

"Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA - you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United