In the early Monday hours, Premier League side Manchester United announced that they have decided to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag immediately.
The Dutchman took over for the club in 2022 following the departure of club icon Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In his first full season with the club, he won the EFL Cup and finished in the top 4 of the Premier League, ensuring that the club would play Champions League football. The season after, a dip in performances began to occur. Despite an incredible FA Cup win over Manchester City, United crashed out of the Champions League by finishing bottom of their group and ended the Premier League season in 8th, their lowest league finish in more than a decade. However, their FA Cup win meant the club qualified for the UEFA Europa League in 2024/25.
Despite these issues, United decided to retain ten Hag as the manager during the offseason, triggering a one-year extension option in his contract. However, similar issues from last year have continued this season, despite major signings such as Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui. Manchester United currently sit 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League table.
The straw that broke the camel’s back was the club’s 2-1 loss away to West Ham on Sunday afternoon, which ultimately proved to be ten Hag’s last game with United.
An official statement from Manchester United said “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.”
Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelroy will take over as interim manager.
