Manchester United has removed Erik ten Hag from his role as manager. Manchester United informed via a club statement on Monday. The Dutch coach, who took charge two and a half years ago, was informed of the decision on Monday morning following United’s recent defeat to West Ham United.
This loss left United in 14th place in the Premier League, seven points away from Champions League qualification, with just three wins in nine league matches and only four victories from 14 games in total this season. Manchester United’s next game will be against Leicester City in the League Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Manchester United’s new coach
Following Ten Hag’s dismissal, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the coaching team during the offseason, has been asked to step in as interim manager. The rest of the coaching staff will remain in their positions for now as the club considers its next steps.
Summer review led to retaining Ten Hag
United had retained Ten Hag after a summer review, despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, United’s lowest since 1990. The decision was made after Ten Hag led United to an FA Cup victory over Manchester City. In July, United also activated a one-year extension in Ten Hag’s contract, which was initially set to expire in 2025.
Poor start sparks decision to Sack
However, a disappointing start to the new season prompted United’s leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox, to recommend a managerial change. This group met in London during the international break, where they discussed Ten Hag’s performance and potential replacement options.
Two trophies in two years
In Ten Hag’s first season, he secured a third-place finish in the Premier League and led United to a Carabao Cup victory, ending a six-year trophy drought. Last season, however, United struggled both domestically and in Europe, crashing out of the Champions League group stage and only securing Europa League participation by winning the FA Cup.
Big spending Summer Transfer window
During the summer transfer window, United spent around £205 million on players like Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Noussair Mazraoui. Despite this investment, United’s recent performance did not meet expectations, and Berrada’s assurance of Ten Hag’s “full backing” from club management has now changed.
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