On Monday afternoon, Manchester United officially announced that Erik ten Hag had been dismissed from his role as manager, bringing an end to his tenure of just over two years. The decision came after mounting pressure throughout the season, culminating in a fourth Premier League defeat to West Ham United. The Dutchman’s future had been a topic of intense speculation, and the club’s poor form forced the board to take decisive action.
According to *The Daily Mail*, Ten Hag plans to spend time at his property in Austria, where he will reflect on his time at United and the challenges he faced during his two-and-a-half-year stint. His tenure included 128 matches across all competitions, where he achieved 44 wins, 27 losses, and 14 draws. Despite the struggles, Ten Hag managed to deliver two trophies to Old Trafford—the 2023 Carabao Cup and the FA Cup last season. However, he reportedly expected his dismissal as early as last summer. After United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City, Ten Hag confided to close associates that he anticipated being replaced before the new season began.
While INEOS and other stakeholders explored managerial options over the summer—including England’s manager and Thomas Tuchel—they decided to retain Ten Hag for the start of the 2024/25 season. However, United’s dismal start to the current campaign, securing just three wins in nine Premier League matches, forced the board, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to make a change. Despite the disappointment, Ten Hag’s departure comes with a substantial financial consolation: a £17.5 million payout secured by a contract renewal over the summer.
As the club seeks a long-term replacement, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim has emerged as the leading candidate due to his reputation for tactical expertise. In the interim, former United player and club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to step in as caretaker manager, providing stability during this transitional phase.
Ten Hag’s departure signifies the end of a turbulent chapter for Manchester United. While he brought success in the form of two trophies, his struggles to achieve consistent results in the Premier League ultimately overshadowed his accomplishments. The decision reflects the club’s pressing need for improved performances and a clearer direction.
For United fans, the appointment of a familiar figure like Van Nistelrooy offers some reassurance during this period of uncertainty, while the potential hiring of Ruben Amorim could signal a fresh start. As the club moves forward, supporters will be watching closely to see how these changes affect the team’s prospects on and off the pitch.
