Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag looks unrecognisable as fresh-faced boy with full head of hair in incredible throwback picture
THEY say management is stressful – and Erik ten Hag is living proof by this incredible throwback picture.
The Dutchman, 52, took over as Manchester United this summer after five years with Ajax.
And throughout his time as a globally-recognised gaffer, he has been known for his shiny bald head.
But apparently, he did once have a full head of luscious, thick hair.
Honestly.
These images of an unrecognisable teenage Erik prove it.
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The then-13-year-old appeared on Johan Cruyff’s TV show when he was part of the Twente academy.
Young Ten Hag rocked a red polo tee and jeans to go with his flowing medium blond curtains.
And it wasn’t just his hair that has amazed fans since the footage re-emerged nearly 40 years on.
He showed fantastic managerial insight and wisdom when discussing how to treat young players and quizzing his idol Cruyff for advice.
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Reflecting on that day in the studio and on Cruyff more generally, Ten Hag said: “I was a big fan of him because of his way of playing.
“He was the first player when I was growing up, who was at a big club abroad but above all turning Ajax into a great club.
“Then you always got to hear about it from my uncles, because I was only really young then.”
Now Ten Hag is getting to work with his United squad – and a few new signings.
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They enjoyed a successful pre-season tour to Asia and Australia which included beating Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
United face Atletico Madrid on Saturday and then Rayo Vallecano the following day.
Win both of those and expectations will be high when they get their new Premier League season underway against Brighton on August 7.
At least the manager can’t tear his hair out when the Red Devils flop this season and spurn his £3million top-four bonus…