Summary:
- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has left his position, the club announced on Monday.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as interim head coach.
- The Dutchman has won Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his tenure.
Manchester United have fired first-team manager Erik ten Hag following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday, marking one of the club’s worst starts to a Premier League season.
The club’s board informed Ten Hag of their decision on Monday morning, citing underwhelming performances and results. A club’s statement said
We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.
Struggling for Consistency
United currently sit 14th in the league, only seven points above the relegation zone, with just one win in their last five league games.
Ten Hag, appointed in April 2022, led United to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
However, the club has struggled for consistency and improvement under his tenure, finishing eighth last season, their lowest league finish since 1990.
It was believed Ten Hag needed to secure at least one win in last week’s matches against Fenerbahce in the Europa League or West Ham.
United only managed a 1-1 draw against José Mourinho’s team in Turkey, and Sunday’s defeat ultimately sealed his fate.
Backing From Ashworth and Berrada Didn’t Help
Despite initial backing from chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, United’s leadership ultimately decided to make a change.
The decision to part with Ten Hag, who left Ajax to succeed the interim manager Ralf Rangnick at United for the 2022-23 season, comes shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos took a minority stake in the club.
Ratcliffe’s team had initially shown support for Ten Hag by extending his contract through 2025, but recent results and scrutiny over his “game model” led to a reconsideration.
Manchester United had hoped to see a collaborative improvement as Ten Hag worked alongside Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
However, despite last season’s victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the side’s continued poor form solidified the board’s decision to bud farewell to him.
Ruud van Nistelrooy Appointed Interim Coach
Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker who joined the coaching staff over the summer, will serve as interim head coach, assisted by the current staff.
United had previously considered other managers, including Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank, and Gareth Southgate, as potential successors.
The team’s next game will be against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Can Manchester United get back to some sense of normality? Get the best odds with the Best Non UK Betting Sites