The highs and lows of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United career – in pictures

The bubble has burst for the Dutchman at Old Trafford. Here are the most notable events of Ten Hag’s reign

His first match in charge against Brighton in August 2022 ended in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

Photograph: Dave Thompson/AP

Early results were not encouraging. A 6-3 hammering by neighbours Manchester City in October 2022 didn’t help.

Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo said he felt ‘betrayed’ by Ten Hag before leaving in November 2022.

Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

The Dutchman did land some silverware when his side beat Newcastle to win the 2023 Carabao Cup final.

Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

But a 7-0 thumping at Liverpool in March 2023 was a big reality check.

Photograph: Paul Currie/Colorsport/Shutterstock

United finished third in his first season in charge, but eighth the following campaign, as the bubble of optimism seemingly burst.

Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images/Reuters

United almost suffered a harrowing defeat to Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final in 2023. The Sky Blues had already come from three goals down when Victor Torp appeared to have scored a last-minute winner. But the goal was ruled out, the game went to penalties and United squeaked through.

Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

New Manchester United owner, Jim Ratcliffe, kept faith with Ten Hag initially.

Photograph: James Marsh/Shutterstock

… with Ten Hag’s finest hour coming in the 2024 FA Cup final – an unexpected 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City.

Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Observer

But poor form dogged the start to the 2024-25 season.

Photograph: Luis Vieira/AP

The controversial defeat against West Ham United on Sunday was his last game in charge.

Photograph: Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/Shutterstock