OFFICIAL: Manchester United sack manager Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy handed interim role
Manchester United have sacked manager Erik Ten Hag, with former club striker Ruud van Nistelrooy taking over the team on an interim basis. The rest of the staff remain in their position for now.
The Red Devils announced the same in an official statement that read:
"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."
This decision of the United management does not come as a shock given that such a move was expected after the Red Devils' 1-2 loss to West Ham on Sunday, October 27.
Ten Hag becomes the fifth permanent manager to be sacked by Manchester United after the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford with a lot of fresh ideas. Although he seemed to almost fall on the axe last season, United's FA Cup final win over Manchester City saved him.
Erik Ten Hag arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2022
Erik Ten Hag arrived in the summer of 2022 at Old Trafford and led them to two major honors - an FA Cup and EFL League Cup title. He also led them to the third position in the Premier League in his debut season in charge, while also ending as runners-up in the FA Cup that same season.
The former Ajax boss was given a free hand by the management this summer, and he made quite a few interesting signings. While Matthijs de Ligt was one of the most prominent names to arrive, other potentially promising players such as Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui were also bought.
However, none of this helped Ten Hag in the end. Manchester United currently sit in the 14th position of the Premier League table with just 11 points. They have won just three out of the nine league matches they have played so far.