Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United after a disastrous start to the 2024/25 season.
The Red Devils are a lowly 14th in the Premier League table after losing four of their opening nine games – the latest of which was a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United courtesy of a controversial late penalty from Jarrod Bowen.
United are seven points off the Champions League qualification places and have won just four games from 14 across all competitions – a dismal record that has ultimately cost Ten Hag his job after two-and-a-half-years in the dugout.
A short Manchester United statement said of his departure: “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.”
Ten Hag is understood to have been told on Monday morning that he was losing his job, just months after United’s new minority owners INEOS activated a one-year extension in the contract he signed when joining in 2022.
The decision to retain Ten Hag was surprising to some after United recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish last season – 8th place with 60 points after 14 defeats from 38 games – but the move was largely seen as a reward for winning the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City.
Ten Hag had also won a trophy in his first year in charge, beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, but his reign was overshadowed by a number of catastrophic on-field performances and a severe injury crisis.
A number of big-money signings have also backfired on Ten Hag, who always remained adamant that he was the right manager to take United forward.
Thomas Tuchel, previously linked with taking over, is no longer in the running to become United manager after taking the England job, while other early candidates to take over are Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank, Xavi and Julian Nagelsmann – all four have been linked at various points, some more strongly than others.
What we know
- Ten Hag dismissed after dismal start to 2024/25 season
- Red Devils opt to part ways after another Premier League defeat – this time at West Ham
- Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge on interim basis