Manchester United sack Erik Ten Hag after dismal Premier League start

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Manchester United have sacked Erik Ten hag as head coach on Monday (October 28), following their Premier League defeat against West Ham on Sunday.

After serving as the head coach of Manchester United for two and a half years, Erik ten Hag has been removed from his position.

The decision to part ways with ten Hag came after a disappointing start to the season, culminating in a loss to West Ham United on Sunday. This defeat positioned Manchester United 14th in the Premier League standings, a significant seven points away from the Champions League spots.

The team had managed only three wins in nine league matches and four victories across all competitions in 14 games. The club confirmed that they are in the process of determining the next steps to take.

Following a dismal eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, which was the team's lowest since 1990, and a triumph in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, ten Hag's position was reviewed but ultimately retained into the summer. After mulling on an appointment of a new coach, the Man United hierarchy stuck with the Dutchman.

At the beginning of July, Manchester United had even activated a one-year extension on the 54-year-old Dutchman's contract, extending his stay until 2025. This contract extension signalled the club's initial confidence in ten Hag, who was appointed in 2022.

But the confidence started to evaporate as the season went on for the Red Devils. With four defeats in nine league matches, the West Ham match was the final straw for Ten Hag.

Ruud van Nistelrooy to step in as Interim Head Coach

In the interim, former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was brought in during the offseason as ten Hag's assistant, has been asked to step in as the temporary head coach. The remaining management staff will continue in their current roles while the club evaluates its next appointment.

Erik Ten Hag Career at Manchester United

Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, Man United played 128 matches across all competitions. The Red Devils won 70 matches out of them and won two trophies as well. Although Man United failed to win the league, they were champions of the EFL Cup in 2022-23 and then clinched the FA Cup in 2023-24 season.

The 54-year-old Dutchman's first match at the helm was a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Brighton, and it has ended with a same scoreline defeat against West Ham United.