Only 116 days after being given a new contract deal, Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United. The Dutchman leaves Old Trafford with the Red Devils in 14th place in the Premier League standings.
ten Hag has been under increasing pressure lately, and Sunday's 2-1 loss to West Ham was the last straw for INEOS and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
While United looks for a new head coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in temporary control.
Although the club approved spending about £200 million during the summer transfer window, Man Utd's poor start to the new season has now cost the manager significantly.
United have only won three Premier League games this season and has yet to win in the Europa League. In September, they suffered a 3-0 home loss against Arne Slot's Liverpool.
In two and a half years at United, Ten Hag led the club to winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and a great FA Cup Final win over city rivals Manchester City last season. Before yesterday's loss to West Ham, Ten Hag's win percentage was 56.25%, according to sportingnews.com.
A club statement by Manchester United read the following:
"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."
So the search for a new manager begins
The names of former FC Barcelona player and manager Xavi and Thomas Frank of Brentford have been mentioned in the flurry of discussion over who Manchester United should target as their next manager.
Graham Potter and former England manager Gareth Southgate have both been mentioned in speculation. Sources claim that United spoke with Thomas Tuchel prior to him accepting the England position.
