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

Manchester United have terminated the contract of manager Erik ten Hag following a disappointing start to the season. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new football structure keeping Ten Hag in place after the FA Cup win, the club has decided to part ways with him just five months after their triumph at Wembley.

The final straw came when United were beaten 2-1 by West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, marking their fourth defeat in nine league matches. Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday.

Even after a significant investment over the summer, which saw the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte, the team's performances have not met expectations. Ten Hag spent over £600 million during his tenure, failing to build upon a strong first season where United secured third place and the Carabao Cup.

In the official statement regardingthe club announced: "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."

After Ratcliffe secured a minority stake in United, there was a polarised response to the decision to retain Ten Hag, notably after a season that saw United's highest loss tally in all competitions since the 1977/78 campaign. Despite securing the FA Cup last year, United's eighth-place finish in the Premier League marked their lowest position in the top division, with a negative goal difference.