By Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag after a disappointing start to the Premier League season, with the team currently languishing in 14th place after nine matches. The Dutchman, 54, was informed of the decision on Monday morning, just two and a half years into his tenure.
Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been serving as assistant manager, will take charge of the team as interim head coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
In a statement, the club said, “We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
Ten Hag’s sacking comes despite the team’s FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City in May, which helped him survive a summer review by the club’s hierarchy. However, a series of poor results, including 3-0 home defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, has led to United’s worst-ever Premier League start.
Former United defender Gary Neville criticized the team’s “absolutely disgusting performance” against Spurs at the end of September, calling it “one of the worst performances I have seen under Ten Hag – and that is saying something.”
Sky Sports News understands that Ten Hag’s sacking was a unanimous decision by the club’s board, who felt that the on-field results were not good enough and that there were no excuses for the team’s current position.
Ten Hag, who signed a three-year deal with United in 2022, had frequently defended his record at the club, pointing to the Carabao Cup victory in 2023 and the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last season. However, these moments of glory were not enough to dispel doubts about his leadership.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who became a part-owner of United with control over footballing matters in February, had recently commented on Ten Hag’s future, stating that while he liked the coach, results needed to improve.
Interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, considered a United legend with 150 goals in 219 appearances, has some coaching experience, most notably winning the KNVB Cup during his time as PSV Eindhoven boss.
As Manchester United begins their search for a permanent head coach, the club will be hoping to turn around their fortunes and restore the team to its former glory under the guidance of van Nistelrooy.
