'Getting smoked' - Erik ten Hag endures horror start to Bayer Leverkusen reign as former Man Utd manager sees new side thrashed 5-1 by Brazilian youngsters

Erik ten Hag Bayer Leverkusen 2025

Bayer Leverkusen endured the nightmare start to Erik ten Hag's reign as his first game in charge ended in a shocking 5-1 defeat.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Leverkusen were put to the sword by Brazilian club Flamengo's youth side in a humiliating start to former United manager Ten Hag's time at the Bundesliga club. The German giants largely fielded a second-string team but stars including Arthur, Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface featured in the match. Arthur even scored an own goal.

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Fans are having a field day on social media. One user, @Michael_Grigs26, said: "Ten Hag getting smoked. Brings a great smile to my face."

Another, @DeeDolo, added: "Ten Hag is taking these guys straight to midtable."

@sammyprimus1 referenced Ten Hag's former employers: "Ten Hag is making Yoonited proud."

While @cyclopsebuka expressed what all fans were thinking: "How is Erik ten Hag losing so woefully to an under 20s team?"

@_tamakloee added: "Y'all make me sick to my stomach I had AIG Man U fans on here picking Ten Hag over Ronaldo."

Half-time.45+6' | 4-0 | #FLAB04 | #esquentaB04 pic.twitter.com/KWOXRH4NVP

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It may not have been Ten Hag's first-choice Leverkusen side who lost so astoundingly, but this can be seen as a reflection of the rebuild which is needed at the BayArena. With sales of the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah in addition to club hero Xabi Alonso moving on, this result will only increase the fear that the 2025-26 season may be one of transition and at times adversity for the club.

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-LEVERKUSEN-TEN HAG

WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG AND LEVERKUSEN?

Ten Hag will have questions to answer in Germany after this result. Leverkusen will have a chance for a fresh start under their new manager when the Bundesliga season kicks off against Hoffenheim on August 23, with a Champions League campaign to look forward to in addition. The 2023-24 Bundesliga champions have been linked with multiple players Ten Hag managed at Old Trafford, including United outcast Antony.