Manchester United have sacked Erik Ten Hag following the team’s poor start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
United’s statement confirming the departure of the Dutch tactician reads;
“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.”
Ten Hag’s assistant manager Ruud Van Nistelroy is expected to take charge of the team in the interim until a new manager is appointed.
Why Manchester United Sack Erik ten Hag
United’s decision to end their collaboration with Ten Hag followed an unceasing run of downbeat performances by the team under the watch of the former Ajax boss.
United went to thank the manager for his two years at the helm at the Old Trafford club and confirmed he will be replaced by Ruud Van Nistelroy in the interim.
Erik ten Hag led United to back-to-back trophies in his first two seasons with the club. He won the EFL Cup in his first season and returned the team to the UEFA Champions League by finishing in the top four.
In his second season, he led the team to FA Cup glory, edging out United’s cross-city rivals in the final at Wembley to claim victory.
However, despite adding two laurels to United’s trophies room, his performances domestically and in Europe had left much to the desired.
In his first Champions League campaign with the team, United finished bottom of their group, conceding 18 goals – becoming the first team to do so.
Meanwhile, his campaign in the Premier League that season ended in a nightmare with the team finishing 8th on the table – their lowest position in decades.
This season, the Dutch showed no signs of improving the stats with United struggling to get results both in the Premier League and in Europe.
The team sits 14th on the Premier League table after nine games, winning 3, drawing two, and losing four.
In the Europa League, the team sits 21st in the rankings when 0 wins in their three matches in the campaign. They drew FC Twente in the first match, drew Sporting Lisbon in the second, and recorded a third consecutive draw against Fenerbahce in the third match.
The dragging run of poor results had led to calls by United fans for the Dutchman to be shown the exit door.
Man United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in his last interview, refused to offer clues to United’s position on the Dutchman, insisting the club’s new setup doesn’t have a lot of time to assess the Dutchman.
However, it was evident Ten Hag was losing the confidence of the club’s hierarchy after the INEOS chief refused to admit to plans for a long-term commitment and partnership with the Dutchman.
Notably, United’s decision to part ways with Ten Hag is coming a few months after the club handed him a new two-year contract at the start of the season.
Possible replacement options for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
Ruud Van Nistelroy is expected to take interim charge of the club with the search for a replacement set to take center-stage.
Recently, former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been linked to the job. Xavi’s wife Nuria Cunillera posted a cryptic post on her Instagram, featuring Xavi and his son. In the footage, Xavi’s son (name undisclosed) could be seen donning Manchester United jersey.
Meanwhile, there are unverified reports that United delegation had traveled to Barcelona to discuss the club’s project with the Spaniard.
Zinedine Zidane is another high-profile manager who has been linked to the job. The French tactician is reportedly eager to return to dugout after leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
