Premier League managers back Ten Hag after sacking
Premier League managers have backed Erik ten Hag to "come back stronger" after he was sacked by Manchester United on Monday.
The Dutchman, 54, was dismissed by the Old Trafford hierarchy following Sunday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham, which left the club 14th in the Premier League.
Portuguese club Sporting confirmed that Manchester United have approached them for head coach Ruben Amorim and are willing to pay his 10m euros (£8.3m) release clause.
Ten Hag had the sympathy of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Liverpool's Arne Slot, while Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said he was not shocked given the scrutiny on the job.
"I'm so sorry for him. I have an incredible relationship with him. He represented United in the highest level in terms of behaviour," Guardiola said.
"[Football] manager is one of the only professions where people expect you to be sacked. I don't see it with architects, doctors or teachers. It's only in our job. We have to accept it.
"I wish him all the best - he's going to come back stronger. He knows that our jobs depend on the results. If the results are not good enough, you will be sacked. I'm saying that about myself - I'm not an exception."
Liverpool manager Slot said seeing his compatriot lose his job made the news "even harder", but echoed Guardiola's sentiments and expects Ten Hag to be successful again in the future.
"Always your first thoughts are with the person," Slot said.
"We are all in this job so we know that it can happen, but if it happens - especially because I know him a little bit and I know how much work he puts into it - to get this news for him is a pity.
"We also know - especially us from Holland - how well he did at Ajax and he won two trophies over here, so we will see him in the near future again at a big club."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was "sad" to see Ten Hag lose his job but added: "I think he's done a really good job and changed a lot of things. I wish him all the best for his new chapter."
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