Erik ten Hag Sacked by Manchester United After Poor Start to 2024/25 Season
Manchester United has parted ways with Erik ten Hag following a disappointing beginning to the 2024/25 Premier League season. Currently sitting in 14th place, the Red Devils have suffered four losses in their first nine matches, including a recent 2-1 defeat against West Ham United, marked by a controversial late penalty awarded to Jarrod Bowen.
With only four wins in 14 games acoss all competitions, United finds itself seven points adrift of the UEFA Champions League qualification spots, leading to the decision to terminate Ten Hag’s contract after two and a half years in charge. A brief statement from Manchester United expressed gratitude for Ten Hag’s contributions and extended well wishes for his future endeavors.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the interim head coach, supported by the existing coaching staff, while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Ten Hag was informed of his dismissal on Monday morning, just months after the club’s new minority owners, INEOS, activated a one-year extension on his contract, which he originally signed in 2022.
The decision to keep Ten Hag after last season’s disappointing 8th place finish in the Premier League, where the team accumulated only 60 points and suffered 14 defeats, surprised many. However, it was largely viewed as a reward for his FA Cup victory against Manchester City. In his first season, Ten Hag also secured the Carabao Cup by defeating Newcastle United, but his tenure has been marred by poor performances and a significant injury crisis.
Several high-profile signings during his time at the club have not yielded the expected results, despite Ten Hag’s insistence that he was the right man to lead Manchester United forward.
With Thomas Tuchel now out of the running after accepting the England managerial position, potential candidates to succeed Ten Hag include Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank, Xavi, and Julian Nagelsmann, all of whom have been linked to the role at various times.
Stay tuned for updates as Manchester United embarks on a new chapter in search of a permanent head coach.
