Manchester United have parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag following a disappointing start to the season that has left the club struggling in 14th place in the Premier League. Ten Hag’s final game in charge ended in a 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday, leaving United with just three wins from their first nine league matches.
United have also faltered in Europe, sitting 21st out of 36 teams in the Europa League after three consecutive draws in their group. Following the West Ham defeat, the United board informed Ten Hag on Monday morning of their decision to relieve him of his duties.
The club has appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined as Ten Hag’s assistant last summer, as interim manager. United’s statement confirmed that Van Nistelrooy will lead the team “while a permanent head coach is recruited.”
Ten Hag, who took over in the summer of 2022, initially brought success to United, guiding them to third place in the league and their first trophy in six years with a Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle in early 2023. The Dutch manager also led United to an FA Cup final where they were narrowly defeated by Manchester City.
In May, United activated a one-year extension in Ten Hag’s contract after a promising first season. However, a rocky start to the new campaign—compounded by an early exit from the Champions League and a single victory in their last eight matches—prompted the board to take action. His dismissal marks United’s second-worst start to a Premier League season and the club’s search for a sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
The recent turbulence follows a period of change at Old Trafford, with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group purchasing a 27.7% stake in December 2023. Ratcliffe noted earlier this year that United’s issues extend beyond the managerial position, stating, “In the past 11 years, Manchester United have had a lot of coaches, and none have succeeded in that environment. It shows there’s a bigger issue at play.”
SOURCE: BBC
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