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<ul><li>Leverkusen lose 5-1 to U20 side</li><li>Flamengo full of youngsters</li><li>Match went viral on social media</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'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

<p>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.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>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."</p><p>Another, @DeeDolo, added: "Ten Hag is taking these guys straight to midtable."</p><p>@sammyprimus1 referenced Ten Hag's former employers: "Ten Hag is making Yoonited proud."</p><p>While @cyclopsebuka expressed what all fans were thinking: "How is Erik ten Hag losing so woefully to an under 20s team?"</p><p>@_tamakloee added: "Y'all make me sick to my stomach I had AIG Man U fans on here picking Ten Hag over Ronaldo."</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Half-time.<br><br>45+6' | 4-0 | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLAB04?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLAB04</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/esquentaB04?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#esquentaB04</a> <a href="https://t.co/KWOXRH4NVP">pic.twitter.com/KWOXRH4NVP</a></p>— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/bayer04_en/status/1946276778319692062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

<p>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. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/erik-ten-hag-bayer-leverkusen-florian-wirtz-mega-sale-bayern-munich-more-signings/blt5ff81ca30699f76a" target="_blank">With sales of the likes of Florian Wirtz,</a> 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.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Ten Hag will have questions to answer in Germany after this result. Leverkusen will have a chance for <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/erik-ten-hag-back-ex-man-utd-boss-succeeds-real-madrid-bound-xabi-alonso-bayer-leverkusen/blt3a2a325c79bdfe92" target="_blank">a fresh start under their new manager</a> 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, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/like-son-erik-ten-hag-responds-links-manchester-united-antony-bayer-leverkusen/bltef47d05ff72a5ae2" target="_blank">including United outcast Antony.</a></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG AND LEVERKUSEN?

'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 | Goal.com

Erik ten Hag&apos;s Bayer Leverkusen have endured the nightmare start to the Dutchman&apos;s first game in charge in a shocking 5-1 defeat to Flamengo U20.

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