Manchester United has sacked manager Erik ten Hag after a challenging start to the season, marking the end of his two-and-a-half-year tenure.
The club, currently struggling at 14th in the Premier League table with only three wins in nine matches, made the decision following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham over the weekend, which added to a series of disappointing performances.
Ten Hag, who was appointed in 2022, faced mounting pressure as United’s results deteriorated, highlighted by heavy home defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, both ending in 3-0 losses.
Former United defender Gary Neville, a prominent pundit, described the loss to Spurs as “absolutely disgusting,” one of the most critical assessments of Ten Hag’s time in charge.
Under Ten Hag, United experienced mixed success, including a Carabao Cup win in 2023 and a memorable FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester City in 2024. However, despite these achievements, the club finished last season in eighth place, their lowest Premier League position to date, and exited the Champions League early.
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In a statement, Manchester United expressed gratitude to Ten Hag for his efforts, acknowledging his contributions during a challenging period for the club. “We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done and wish him well for the future,” the club said.
Taking on the interim managerial role is Ruud van Nistelrooy, United’s former star striker and most recent assistant manager, while the search for a permanent head coach begins. Known for his prolific scoring record and deep connection with United, Van Nistelrooy’s temporary appointment is aimed at stabilizing the squad amid what fans and critics are calling one of the most uncertain phases in United’s recent history.
This managerial change occurs against a backdrop of significant ambition for the club. New part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who assumed control of the football operations in February, has publicly stated his goal to restore Manchester United’s former dominance and surpass City in the Premier League hierarchy.
While Ratcliffe previously expressed support for Ten Hag, he has made it clear that results need to improve, sparking speculation that the managerial decision reflects a broader strategic shift for the club.
As Van Nistelrooy steps into his interim role, United’s fans and board alike will be looking to see if his appointment can spark a turnaround for the club and set the stage for a more stable future.