Manchester United has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag after a difficult start to the season that saw the club slide to 14th in the Premier League standings with only three wins from nine matches. Ten Hag’s final game in charge was a 2-1 loss to West Ham, adding to United’s disappointing form in both domestic and European competitions. The club is currently 21st out of 36 teams in the Europa League, having drawn their first three group stage matches.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the club as Ten Hag’s assistant last summer, has been named as the interim manager. United stated that Van Nistelrooy will lead the team while they search for a permanent replacement, marking the sixth time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2013 retirement that the club is in pursuit of a new long-term manager.
Ten Hag’s tenure began with promise when he took over in 2022, leading United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, a Carabao Cup victory, and an FA Cup final appearance. However, United’s ongoing struggles on and off the pitch have contributed to his dismissal. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group buying a 27.7% stake in the club last December, Ratcliffe noted that systemic issues at the club extend beyond management alone.
With the club’s recent poor form — winning only one of their last eight games — the United board felt compelled to make a change as they aim to salvage their season.