Erik ten Hag's tenure as Manchester United manager came to an abrupt end on Monday, leaving the Dutchman "completely devastated" following his dismissal. Hans Kraay Jr, a former teammate of Ten Hag at De Graafschap, shared insights into the emotional toll the sacking took on the now-former United boss, describing him as "completely ruined."

Ten Hag's departure came after a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham, which left the Red Devils languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim is poised to take over the managerial reins at Old Trafford, with expectations running high despite Ten Hag's achievements, which included winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.

Despite the substantial investment in new signings amounting to over £200 million over the summer, United's on-field performance failed to meet expectations. As a result, Ten Hag's reign ended unceremoniously, with Ruud van Nistelrooy taking the interim charge while the club finalizes a deal with Amorim.

Acknowledging Ten Hag's disappointment, Van Nistelrooy expressed that the former manager's profound affection for the club was evident, highlighting his desire to propel United forward. While the financial compensation of €17 million may provide a degree of solace, it is apparent that Ten Hag's emotional attachment to the club transcends monetary considerations.

Despite divergent opinions on the impact of financial compensation in mitigating the sacking's emotional toll, empathy towards Ten Hag's situation is prevalent among fans and critics alike. The nuances of the situation, coupled with varying perspectives on wealth, success, and professional setbacks, underscore the complexity of managers' experiences in the fiercely competitive world of football.

As Ten Hag navigates this challenging period, the footballing fraternity reflects on the broader implications of managerial departures, emphasizing the importance of emotional resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The repercussions of his sacking serve as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous nature of elite football management, where success and failure are often intertwined in a high-stakes environment.