United are in the midst of one of their worst starts to a season in the Premier League, a win for their top five flying teams left them 14th in the table, as far as the relegation zone is concerned, as they are the first four. The Devils are also winless in their three Europa League games, drawing 1-1 at Fenerbahce on Thursday. In the end, it turned out to be a loss to faltering West Ham, who valued Ten Hag for his activity, a decision made just four months after United extended their promise.
“Erik ten Hag has left his position as coach of Manchester United’s men’s first team,” states a comment from the partners. “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 thank Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him the best for the future.”
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Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the employee training group in the summer, will temporarily take over the management position. Their first match will be against Leicester Town in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Ten Hag had started his reign in style in 2022, leading United to third place in the Premier League and overall in both cup competitions at home, an EFL Cup final victory over Newcastle handing Impaired Trafford their first silver medal since 2017. The former Ajax boss would rise to the trophy cabinet (see age), beat Manchester Town at Wembley in the FA Cup final, but performances in the Premier League were unfortunate. Eighth place represented United’s lowest level since 1989-90, although the closest thing to a slow start to this season may be something of a fraudulent nadir.
Ten Hag’s tenure ends with a Premier League record 146 points, the fifth-best result that year, but 25 less than Liverpool, with Arsenal and Manchester Town far ahead. His extra eleven role is a perfect seventh in the lead, reflecting United’s tendency to lose badly to the league leaders as they push their way into the ground. An expected extra of 3.84 is the next reasonable level the Premier League has to deal with.
The outgoing manager could also argue, on the other hand, that good luck was no longer on his side. Their last game ended with a baffling penalty passed to West Ham for what was once considered Matthijs De Ligt colliding with Danny Ings, a bitter end to a game in which general issues arose around changing weight chances. “Over time we will find the net and win more games,” said Ten Hag in one of his last interviews. If that prophecy turns out to be correct, you better watch it from afar.
