Erik ten Hag has been denied a contract extension at Old Trafford, seeing to his exit, following a disappointing start to the season.
The announcement was made on Monday, and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who previously served as Ten Hag’s assistant, will step in as interim manager immediately.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future,” a club statement said.
“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.”
Manchester United has managed to secure only three victories in their first nine league matches this campaign, including a late 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday. Ten Hag’s performance has not met the expectations of the club’s new ownership.
The Dutchman faced considerable pressure last season when Manchester United finished in a record-low 8th place in the Premier League. However, he ended the season on a high note by defeating Manchester City to secure the FA Cup at Wembley.
Despite exploring options for potential replacements during the summer, Ten Hag was awarded a one-year contract extension and received support in the transfer window.
Unfortunately, the team’s results and performances failed to improve. Following a loss to West Ham, United now sits in 14th place in the table, adding to earlier disappointing home defeats against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur this season. While winning the FA Cup final provided him with some reprieve, Ten Hag has ultimately been dismissed after two and a half years at the helm.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff at the beginning of the season, will take charge, with his first match set for Wednesday night against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
United’s revamped football operations department, which had previously supported Ten Hag over the summer, concluded that the team’s performance was unlikely to improve under his leadership. In nine league matches this season, United has scored only eight goals, making it the third lowest in the Premier League, while the club currently ranks 14th in the table.