Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag Sacked
Manchester United has fired manager Erik ten Hag following a disappointing start to the season, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League.
The 54-year-old Dutchman, who took charge in 2022, was informed of the decision on Monday morning after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to West Ham.
Ten Hag’s assistant, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, has been appointed interim manager while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
Known as a United legend with 150 goals during his time as a player, van Nistelrooy brings experience as a former PSV Eindhoven manager and is tasked with stabilising the team while the club searches for a new head coach. United’s next match could provide a critical early test for van Nistelrooy as he steps into his new role.
Promising moments overshadowed by poor start to the second season
Ten Hag’s tenure had promising moments, including United’s first silverware in six years with a Carabao Cup victory in 2023 and a 2-1 win against Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final. However, these successes weren’t enough to offset a poor start to his second season, with only three wins in nine league matches. His final weeks saw back-to-back 3-0 losses at home to Tottenham and Liverpool, with former players and pundits, including Gary Neville, openly criticising United’s performances.
The decision to dismiss Ten Hag was reportedly unanimous among the club’s board, who were alarmed by the team’s lacklustre performances and inability to compete with top clubs.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a 27.7% stake in United and now oversees football operations, has been vocal about the need to bring the club back to its former glory. Ratcliffe had supported Ten Hag during a summer review but acknowledged that results would ultimately determine his future.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United has seen five permanent managers and has yet to win another Premier League title. Ten Hag’s sacking highlights United’s ongoing struggle to find stability and leadership capable of returning the club to the top tier of English football.
