Erik ten Hag’s Rocky Debut at Bayer Leverkusen Sparks Hilarious Reactions from Manchester United Fans

Erik ten Hag’s first match in charge of Bayer Leverkusen did not go as anyone expected—and Manchester United fans had a field day reacting to the unexpected outcome.

Despite being heavy favorites, Leverkusen suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Flamengo’s under-20 squad during Ten Hag’s preseason debut, leaving fans both shocked and amused.

The Dutch manager, who left Manchester United earlier this year, took over Leverkusen in May, stepping in after Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Expectations were high for Ten Hag’s arrival, especially given the strong squad at his disposal, which included key players like Mark Flekken, Jonas Hofmann, and Victor Boniface.

The team lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation—retained from Alonso’s tenure, who had led the club to a title the previous season.

However, the match in Brazil quickly turned into a nightmare.

Facing Flamengo’s U20 side instead of the senior team, Leverkusen found themselves overwhelmed.

The young Brazilians raced to a 5-0 lead before Leverkusen managed a late consolation goal.

The scoreline stunned everyone watching, including Ten Hag himself, who appeared visibly frustrated on the sidelines.

Manchester United fans wasted no time turning the situation into a source of humor on social media.

Many poked fun at Ten Hag’s struggles, joking that his managerial career was already in trouble.

Some sarcastically suggested that Ten Hag needed Manchester United stars like Anthony Martial and Onana to save him.

Others expressed relief that he was no longer at Old Trafford, while a few took a more biting tone, calling him a “bald fraud.”

This wave of reactions highlights the mixed feelings surrounding Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United and now at Leverkusen.

While some supporters remain critical, others find humor in the unexpected twists of his managerial journey.

The defeat raises questions about Ten Hag’s ability to adapt quickly to a new league and squad, especially when facing motivated young opponents.

It also serves as a reminder that preseason matches, while often experimental, can expose vulnerabilities in even the most favored teams.

For Leverkusen, the loss is a wake-up call ahead of the competitive season.

The club will need to regroup and address the issues that allowed a youth side to dominate so decisively.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s reputation will be under scrutiny as he tries to turn things around.

His next matches will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, eager to see if he can bounce back from this rocky start.

Ultimately, this surprising result and the ensuing fan reactions add an unexpected chapter to Erik ten Hag’s managerial career.

Whether it’s a temporary setback or a sign of deeper challenges remains to be seen.

For Manchester United fans, the moment provided some comic relief amid ongoing debates about the club’s direction post-Ten Hag.

It’s a reminder that football can be unpredictable—and sometimes, even the best-laid plans can unravel in the most unexpected ways.