What next for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag sacked
Man Utd have sacked manager Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the new Premier League season.
Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag following their disappointing start to the new season. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, while a permanent head coach is recruited.
The Dutchman, 54, was appointed in April 2022 and guided United to League Cup and FA Cup triumphs, but also oversaw their two worst ever starts to a Premier League season as well as their lowest ever finish in the Premier League era.
United are 14th in the Premier League following their 2-1 defeat away at West Ham on Sunday afternoon and are without a win in their Europa League campaign.
An official club statement read: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.Erik was appointed in April 2022 and 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 during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”
The decision to sack Ten Hag just months after he was backed in the summer signals huge embarrassment for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos Group, who are looking to learn from past mistakes and return the club to the top of world football.
United considered sacking Ten Hag following their FA Cup triumph over Man City back in May, but despite speaking to numerous candidates, ultimately decided they were best place sticking with the Dutchman for the current season.
Following their strategic review, it was initially claimed Ten Hag had been handed a new one-year contract at the club, only for it to transpire they had triggered a clause to extended his existent deal on the same terms, which meant he remained manager rather than head coach and retained a strong influence on recruitment.
Ten Hag was then backed with £200 million in the summer transfer window but despite further heavy investment, there are already questions over the success of their most recent business.