Earlier today, Manchester United dismissed manager Erik ten Hag, describing the decision as unanimous. The team currently sits14th in the Premier League standings after nine matches, demonstrating little indication of a return to their previous status.
According to a club statement, assistant manager and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim manager while the search for a new head coach begins.
Appointed in April 2022, Ten Hag guided United to two domestic trophies: the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
His position was the focus of speculation throughout much of last season, as United recorded their worst-ever eighth-place finish in the Premier League and were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage.
However, Ten Hag found himself firmly in the hot seat again this season amid a woeful start to the campaign.
Manchester United have secured four victories out of 14 matches in all competitions this season and faced damaging 3-0 defeats against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
According to the club, they have earned 11 points from nine Premier League matches, falling short of their goal for a fourth-place finish.
Meanwhile, Manchester United took to their official X handle @ManUtd on Monday, to post the club’s statement concerning this event.
"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” the statement read.
"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."
With British billionaire and INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe assuming control of football operations last season, the club chose to retain Ten Hag in order to maintain continuity during a period of transition. However, United failed to gain any momentum or demonstrate progress that suggested they were moving in the right direction.
A disappointing start to the season also included United drawing their first three Europa League matches after initially leading.
Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat to struggling West Ham United, in which Ten Hag's team squandered several chances, intensified media speculation about his potential dismissal.
United ended last season on a high note with an unexpected FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, and Ten Hag cited the team's numerous injuries as a factor in their recent poor performance.
Ten Hag reportedly signed a new contract extending his tenure until 2026, giving him another opportunity to restore the 20-time English league champions to their former glory.
On the other hand, on Monday, Premier League in a post on their official X handle wrote: “Erik ten Hag’s Premier League stats at Man Utd.
“He has departed Old Trafford, after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to West Ham.”
