Erik ten Hag suffers 5-1 defeat Bayer Leverkusen debut vs Flamengo U20

Erik ten Hag's debut as Bayer Leverkusen manager ended in a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Flamengo's under-20 team during a pre-season friendly in Brazil. Despite fielding several senior players, including new signing Mark Flekken and former Manchester United midfielder Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Leverkusen conceded four goals by halftime and a fifth early in the second half, only managing a consolation goal late in the match. The loss highlighted the challenges Leverkusen face after losing key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, as well as the difficulty Ten Hag is encountering in his new role after being sacked by Manchester United in October. Media outlets and fans alike have described the defeat as embarrassing and a debacle, though Ten Hag emphasized that pre-season results are less important than avoiding injuries. Leverkusen will look to improve ahead of their next friendly against Bochum, but the heavy loss has already drawn attention to the need for squad investment and adjustment under Ten Hag's leadership. This rocky start has also sparked reactions from Manchester United fans, who have found humor in the former manager's struggles.