Erik ten Hag resisted the temptation to wish for a turnaround in Manchester United’s fortunes when asked about his hopes for 2024.
Instead, the thoughtful Dutchman decided to look at the bigger picture by making a heartfelt appeal for world peace and happiness.
Ten Hag is under serious pressure after seeing his United team lose 14 of 28 games in all competitions this season. But in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Ten Hag refused to think of his own problems when asked about any New Year resolutions.
Ten Hag said: “I wish everyone could be happy with the life they have. That may sound a bit general, but that is far from being the case for everyone.
“Look at the wars in Ukraine and Israel, for example. It is terrible to live in those - and even in the Netherlands, people struggle with poverty or other major problems. We should not close our eyes to that.
“Those who, for whatever reason, are struggling, I wish them a lot of strength. I hope society can support them so that they too can live a contented life.”
Ten Hag added: “I am never completely satisfied. As a person, I always try to do better than the year before - sports-wise, but certainly also in my personal dealings with family, friends and colleagues. That's in my character.
“Not that I suddenly come up with all kinds of new resolutions now. I actually make them all the time and continuously.
“Life is short, so you have to make the most of it. Try to enjoy life as much as possible and respect others. Support each other and be there for others.”
Ten Hag admitted that it took him time to get used to the British tradition of playing football over the festive period. Winter breaks allowed him to spend Christmas with his family during his time as a player and a coach in Holland and Germany.
He said: “Just the way they celebrate Christmas here (in England) differs enormously from home. In England, they take a much bigger approach in all areas. During the holidays, people here also just play football, which is really unthinkable in the Netherlands.
“When I started working here, I knew it would be part of it. And so you adapt. I must honestly say that in my home country I always used to look forward to the winter break quite a bit.
“That's a period when I could really unwind. Reflecting at home on the things I did in the past year and figuring out what I need to work on.”
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United face Wigan in the FA Cup next Monday before meeting Tottenham in the Premier League six days later. They will then enjoy a two-week break before resuming with a trip to Wolves.
Ten Hag said: “I relax outside football by being with my family or with friends. And doing sports also allows me to clear my head here in England.
“Running, playing golf. That way I can be mentally free for a while. I’ve always been lucky, through my work, to live in many different places: Twente, Eindhoven, Munich, Utrecht, Amsterdam.
“You don't have to travel very far in the Netherlands to see that things are already completely different in certain places. Cultures change quickly. I think the most important thing in this is that you adapt yourself to where you are at that moment.
“You should never expect that when you walk in somewhere, people will adapt to you. You can't. But I always try to stay close to myself.”
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