Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden plans to accept Erik ten Hag, Man United offer | OneFootball

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Football League World

·16 January 2023

Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden plans to accept Erik ten Hag, Man United offer

Article image:Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden plans to accept Erik ten Hag, Man United offer

Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden has revealed he plans to take up the offer made by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag of an educational visit to the Red Devils’ training ground.

The Addicks were beaten 3-0 in last week’s EFL Cup quarter-final by the Premier League club but produced a fine display at Old Trafford.


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That loss did little to take the wind out of their sails as they claimed a third League One victory on the bounce against Barnsley on Saturday.

Speaking after the game, Holden – a lifelong United fan and former season ticket holder – told FLW that he plans to accept Ten Hag’s invitation to the Carrington training ground.

He said: “Erik gave me a nice bottle of wine and a shirt after the game and has offered me the chance to go down to Carrington to learn from them.

“It’s invaluable as a young coach. As I’ve said to the players, I don’t know all the answers but I will try and find them.

“It’ll be a great opportunity for me. I’ll take my staff as well and we’ll go. We’ll be learning from one of the best.”

The Red Devils followed up their win over Charlton with a 2-1 victory in Saturday’s Manchester derby.

Quiz: What club do these 15 ex-Charlton Athletic academy players play for now?

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Article image:Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden plans to accept Erik ten Hag, Man United offer

Joe Pigott?

AFC Wimbledon Burton Albion Portsmouth Sheffield Wednesday

The Verdict

There’s no denying that an invitation to Carrington is an exciting opportunity for any young coach – not least a United fan like Holden.

Charlton have made a strong start to life under their new head coach and gave a good account of themselves at Old Trafford.

But it’s clear that the 43-year-old still feels he’s got a lot to learn in what is just his second permanent job as a manager.

That’s no bad thing from a Charlton perspective and the trip to the United training ground should benefit the south London club as well as Holden and his staff.

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