Manchester United part ways with Erik ten Hag after West Ham defeat proves to be the final nail in the coffin.
Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag with immediate effect.
United has only scored eight goals in nine league games. They only won one of their last five top-flight games. And is now in 14th place in the division, seven points above the relegation zone. After deciding that there were no justifications for Ten Hag’s on-field performances, the club’s management decided to fire him, telling him Monday morning.
Along with other long-time backroom staff members, former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the coaching staff in the summer, will be in control of the first team in the near future. United’s next Carabao Cup game comes against Leicester at home on Wednesday.
“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” said the club in a statement. “Erik appointed in April 2022. He led the club to two domestic trophies. Winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach. He will have support of the current coaching team. A permanent head coach will be recruited.”
Ten Hag needed to win at least one of his Europa League games against Fenerbahce and against West Ham last week. The outcome on Sunday confirmed José Mourinho’s doom when United narrowly drew with his team 1-1 in Turkey. United wanted as much consistency as possible during this moment of upheaval at the club. So they were willing to give him some time.
After finishing seventh last season, Ten Hag was thought to collaborate closely with new sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox to help the team develop, but there hasn’t been any discernible progress.
Since his business, Ineos, acquired a minority ownership, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his allies made the most important decision. United began this season with four victories from 13 games in all competitions. They finished eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest league finish since 1990.