Erik ten Hag sacked by Manchester United after poor start to the season

Manchester United have dismissed Erik ten Hag as manager following a series of disappointing performances and results. Despite securing the FA Cup last season and having initially kept faith in Ten Hag, the club has decided to part ways after just five months since their Wembley triumph.

Sunday's defeat to West Ham, culminating in their fourth loss in nine league matches, sealed Ten Hag's fate.

Manchester United backed Ten Hag considerably during the summer transfer window, bringing in players like Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte. Nonetheless, the results failed to mirror the investment.

Ten Hag's tenure saw the club spend upwards of £600m without achieving the expected progression following a promising inaugural season that concluded with a third-place league finish and a Carabao Cup victory.

Discussions regarding managerial replacements commenced even before last season's FA Cup final victory against rivals Manchester City, which prompted Ineos to renew his contract despite doubts about his performance.

His departure was today confirmed through an official statement: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. 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 are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

Despite winning the FA Cup last season, United ended the Premier League campaign at an all-time low eighth place finish, coupled with a negative goal difference. Nottingham Forest are due to go to Old Trafford on December 7.