- Manchester United has dismissed Erik ten Hag as manager following a rough start to the season, with only three wins out of nine matches
- Ruud van Nistelrooy steps in as interim head coach, while the club begins its search for a permanent replacement to change course
- United's recent results in both the Premier League and Europa League raised concerns, leading the board to act decisively after a unanimous vote
Manchester United has made a crucial decision in the wake of a lacklustre season-opening, parting ways with Erik ten Hag as manager following mounting pressure.
The final blow came in a 2-1 loss against West Ham on Sunday, October 27, leaving United in a concerning 14th place in the Premier League, with only three wins in their opening nine games. Despite an expensive summer transfer of approximately £200 million in spending, the results have fallen short, prompting the club’s hierarchy to make this difficult call.
The club’s Europa League performance has also been concerning, as United sits 21st among 36 teams after three drawn matches. This poor form was a major reason for the need for change, leading the club to unanimously agree on Ten Hag’s departure. Ruud van Nistelrooy will reportedly serve as interim head coach while a permanent replacement is sought.
The board’s decision came after a balanced but challenging deliberation. They emphasised that the on-field performances under Ten Hag did not meet expectations. Unlike Ten Hag’s assertions of team growth, club executives felt the team was not progressing as planned. A short club statement added,
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
The change ends Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year stint with United, where he managed to secure a third-place Premier League finish in his first season and deliver the club’s first trophy in six years a Carabao Cup win against Newcastle in 2023. His second season saw further disappointment, finishing last in their Champions League group although he redeemed himself with an FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS investment, acquiring a 27.7% stake in Manchester United, raised hopes for more improvement at the club. Ratcliffe however remarked on the new direction he would take the club,
“In the past 11 years, Manchester United have had a lot of coaches and nobody has been successful in that environment. That says to me there is something wrong with the environment.”
Manchester United is reportedly hve to pay Erik ten Hag £13.5 million following his dismissal. Since his contract runs through to 2026, the club will now cover the remaining salary as part of his termination package.
This decision sees United appoint its sixth manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, proving further the challenges for consistency and stability in the management ranks. The club remains optimistic about turning the season around under Van Nistelrooy’s guidance and is already considering candidates for a long-term managerial solution.
Man United’s Erik Ten Hag avoids verbal duel with Cristiano Ronaldo amid early season pressure
Previously, TheRadar reported that Erik ten Hag had made it a habit to respond firmly when he believed criticism was unfair. Whether it's shutting down journalists during press conferences or dismissing pundit commentary from the likes of Jamie Carragher and Alan Shearer as "subjective" or "stupid," Ten Hag has built a reputation for standing his ground.
But this time, facing recent comments from Cristiano Ronaldo, a world-class superstar and club legend, the Manchester United manager chose a take things a bit more cool.
