Manchester United have officially parted ways with Erik ten Hag after a two-and-a-half-year stint as the club’s head coach.
In a statement released on Monday via their website, the club announced that former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy would step in as interim manager. The club expressed its gratitude to Ten Hag for his contributions, which included winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
“Erik ten Hag has left his position as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies. We are thankful for everything Erik has done during his time with us and wish him success in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
The club also confirmed that van Nistelrooy would temporarily oversee the squad, assisted by the current coaching staff, as they search for a permanent replacement.
Reports from Daily Mail UK suggest that the decision to dismiss Ten Hag was a collective and unanimous one, made by United’s leadership team.
During his time at Old Trafford, the 54-year-old Dutchman faced a series of challenges. Despite a summer review by the club’s hierarchy, Ten Hag remained in charge following United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May. However, the season saw United finish in their lowest-ever Premier League position, landing in eighth place. Their early exit from the Champions League before Christmas only added to the mounting pressure.
This season, Manchester United has continued to struggle, sitting in 14th place after nine matches. Sunday’s 2-1 loss to West Ham appeared to be the final tipping point for the club’s leadership, with the team recording two draws, three wins, and four losses from their opening games.
The search for a permanent head coach is now underway as fans and pundits alike speculate on who will take the reins at one of the world’s most famous football clubs.
