Erik ten Hag dismissed as Manchester United manager amid struggling season

Manchester United has made the shocking decision to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag, as the club languishes in 14th place in the Premier League standings after just nine matches. The club confirmed the news in a statement on Monday, stating, “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy, a legendary figure at Old Trafford, has been appointed as interim head coach, with support from the existing coaching team while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Ten Hag’s tenure, which began amid high hopes following a tumultuous previous season, became increasingly precarious as United finished eighth in the league—their worst performance in decades. The club’s struggles have intensified under the ownership of British billionaire and INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe, who took over football operations last season. Despite retaining Ten Hag for continuity during this transition, the lack of progress raised concerns about the team’s direction.

The final straw for the Dutch manager came after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday, where United squandered multiple scoring opportunities. This loss added fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future, especially after the team failed to secure wins in their first three Europa League matches despite leading.

Despite ending last season on a high note with an unexpected FA Cup victory over Manchester City, Ten Hag’s side struggled with injuries, which he cited as a significant factor in their lackluster performance. He had signed a contract extension until 2026, hoping to restore Manchester United to its former glory. However, after spending over £600 million ($779.28 million) on new players since taking charge in 2022, the club’s poor start to the current season ultimately led to his dismissal.