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
by Guardian sport · the GuardianHis 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.
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