Erik ten Hag spotted back in England as ex-Manchester United boss weighs up next move

Erik ten Hag was spotted back in Manchester on Monday. The former Manchester United manager dined in an Italian restaurant and cleared out possessions from a nearby home.

Ten Hag oversaw the worst start to a Premier League campaign in United's history and was sacked following a controversial 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium. The Dutchman's dismissal was confirmed on October 28 and he immediately returned to the Netherlands to spend time with his family.

Ruud van Nistelrooy took over on an interim basis and United moved swiftly to appoint Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon as Ten Hag's successor. Ten Hag was pictured in Hale exactly three weeks after his United departure. He dined in his regular haunt Piccolino and visited his residence to clear out his possessions.

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Ten Hag was joined by his wife Bianca and the couple left the restaurant as the Manchester snow began on Monday night. A few days after he was sacked, Ten Hag watched Heracles in the Eredivisie and he also made a return to Ajax to watch another game before the international break.

United triggered the one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract in the summer after clinching glory in the FA Cup final and he received a multi-million pay out following his sacking. Although the 54-year-old's intentions after leaving United aren't clear, there is expected to be interest in Ten Hag from European clubs and he is expected to return to management.

Ten Hag was spotted in Manchester on the same day as Amorim's first training session at Carrington. The 39-year-old was forced to wait until his visa was approved to coach on grass - he was allowed to hold meetings with staff - and took a session with nine senior players.

Amorim's first game in charge of United will come against Ipswich Town this weekend and he must move United into the top half of the table, as they are currently 13th in the league.

After Ten Hag's exit, the Dutchman wrote an emotional letter to United fans and said: "Dear fans, Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents stadiums, whether the game was in England. Europe or during the summer tours.

"I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA - you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That's what makes United supporters so special.

"I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.

"We won two trophies - achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.

"I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life."