Erik ten Hag backs disgraced ex-Arsenal star Marc Overmars and says Ajax ‘threw him under bus’ over messages to women
ERIK TEN HAG leapt to disgraced Marc Overmars’ defence over the handling of his inappropriate messages to women.
The Manchester United boss claimed Ajax were “really stupid to throw him under the bus” and “killed” the club with their reaction.
Overmars, 51, worked as director of football at the Dutch club while Ten Hag was manager.
However, he resigned in February 2022 after admitting to “unacceptable behaviour” towards female colleagues – including sending pictures of his genitals.
Overmars said: “Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that I was crossing the line with this.
“But that was made clear to me in recent days. I suddenly felt enormous pressure. I apologise.”
The former Arsenal and Barcelona winger joined Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp following his Ajax exit.
However, he was forced to step back after his one-year ban from Dutch football was extended worldwide by Fifa in January.
Now, though, his former colleague has come out to voice his support – and hit out at Ajax, whose form has collapsed since the pair left.
They finished third last season then fifth in 2023-24 – a whopping 35 points behind champions PSV.
Ten Hag, 54, said: “I stand firm that I find it a disgrace the way Marc Overmars has been treated.
“The departure of Marc Overmars killed Ajax at the time.
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“And from club perspective it was really stupid to throw him under the bus straight away.”
Speaking in a bombshell interview that was released on the day of the FA Cup final, Ten Hag added to Voetbal International: “Overmars was the binding factor within the club.
“He didn’t write a single letter on paper, but every outgoing and incoming line was created by him.
“He was smart, he had strategic insight. When they got rid of him, everything collapsed.”
The Red Devils boss – who is expected to be sacked regardless of the result against Manchester City at Wembley – insists he wants to help rebuild the club.
He also criticised pundits and fans who have “no sense of reality” regarding the state of the Old Trafford club.
Overmars came through the youth academy with Go Ahead Eagles before a spell with Willem II then joined Ajax in 1992.
He racked up three Eredivisie titles and a Champions League in Amsterdam before adding a Premier League and FA Cup during three seasons at Arsenal.
Overmars spent four seasons with Barcelona until 2004 then made a shock comeback, playing back at Go Ahead Eagles in 2008-09.
The 86-cap Netherlands international also suffered a cardiac arrest a year ago, leaving his heart with “irreparable damage.”
Ten Hag's five worst defeats
ERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.
5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023
The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.
4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023
It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.
3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022
Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.
2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024
The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.
1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023
Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.