Erik ten Hag quits as Manchester United manager after West Ham defeat

Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United manager after the side's unfortunate defeat to West Ham in the Premier League, which has left them only 3 spots away from relegation. United confirmed in their statement that assistant manager, Rudd van Nistelrooy will take over the role.

In Short

• Erik ten Hag left his role as United head coach himself
• Ten Hag's stint with United has been dire this season
• United were left 14th in the Premier League after West Ham defeat

Erik ten Hag has officially stepped down as Manchester United manager on October 28, a decision that comes just one day after United's controversial 2-1 loss to West Ham United in the Premier League. The defeat, marred by officiating controversies, added to the Dutch manager’s woes in what has been a turbulent season for United across all competitions.

Speculation around Ten Hag's potential departure had been rife, with United's inconsistent performances sparking conversations about whether the club might move to replace him. However, Ten Hag ultimately made the decision to end his tenure on his own terms. Manchester United released an official statement confirming Ten Hag’s departure and also confirmed that assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy would step in as interim head coach.

"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager...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," United's statement read.

Ten Hag's hit-and-miss stint with United

Erik ten Hag joined a struggling Manchester United in April 2022, arriving from Eredivisie giants Ajax. He initially brought success to United, securing two domestic trophies—the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. However, this turnaround didn’t extend to consistent performances in the Premier League or European competitions like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

After finishing 8th in the Premier League last season, United’s form has dipped further this season, leaving them currently in 14th place, just three spots above the relegation zone. Despite significant spending in the 2024 summer transfer window to secure players like Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui, Ten Hag has yet to find a winning formula.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: The new man in charge

Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former United star, will lead the team alongside the current coaching staff as United searches for a permanent successor. Fans are hopeful that Van Nistelrooy’s familiarity with the club’s legacy and culture will bring stability. With United in a challenging phase, all eyes are now on Van Nistelrooy to steer the team back on course.

Van Nistelrooy joined United ahead of this season as an assistant coach following an impressive debut stint as head coach of Eredivisie side PSV.

Given United’s struggles this season, fans are eager for a quick turnaround in the team’s fortunes under Van Nistelrooy’s leadership and the promise of a credible figure at the helm.