Manchester United has sacked Erik ten Hag following a string of disappointing performances, placing former Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in the interim head coach role.
Ten Hag, 54, was informed of his departure on Monday morning after two and a half years in charge.
In a club statement, United said: “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.”
The decision follows United’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the weekend and a series of poor results this season. United currently sits in 14th place with just three wins out of nine matches.
Club legend Gary Neville criticised the team’s “absolutely disgusting performance” against Tottenham Hotspur last month, calling it “one of the worst performances I have seen under Ten Hag.”
Despite successes like the Carabao Cup win in 2023 and an FA Cup victory over Manchester City in 2024, doubts about Ten Hag’s leadership persisted.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a part-owner of United since February, commented that while he liked Ten Hag, improvement was needed but clarified that the decision to change managers was not his.
Van Nistelrooy, who served as assistant manager, will guide the team until United appoints a permanent head coach.
