The end of Erik Ten Hag: Manchester United sack Dutch manager as Red Devils sit 14th on Premier League table

Erik Ten Hag has offically been sacked by Manchester United

Manchester United has officially parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag after a turbulent start to the season left the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

The decision to relieve ten Hag of his duties comes on the heels of United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham, where a last-minute penalty converted by Jarrod Bowen sealed the club's fate.

Gary Neville Foresees Ten Hag’s Departure

Gary Neville, among others, had predicted this outcome, citing a lack of cohesion, underwhelming results, and the mounting pressure at Old Trafford.

Following United’s loss to West Ham, former club icon Gary Neville did not hold back on his Sky Sports podcast, expressing concerns about ten Hag’s position at the club.

“It’s getting to the point where the pressure will become unbearable,” Neville noted, adding, The results, the lack of goals, lack of performances are stacking up week after week.”

Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford | Imago Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford | Imago

For Neville, United’s 14th-place standing with just 11 points in nine games was a breaking point. “You can't be 14th in the league after nine games,” he insisted, alluding to the fact that teams with modest resources have recently bested United. He added, “The performance levels are stacking up week after week.”

Ruud Van Nistelrooy Steps In as Interim Manager

With ten Hag’s departure confirmed, reports indicate that former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim manager, with hopes that his presence can bring both stability and inspiration to a club searching for direction.

Ruud van Nistelrooy (L) with Erik ten Hag in Manchester United's recent league match at Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news, revealing that Manchester United’s board had already begun internal discussions to make the change.

Van Nistelrooy, one of the club's greatest goal scorers, will have the opportunity to inject new life into United’s season.

The club have also reportedly sounded out other managers, including ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez as possible permanent replacements for Ten Hag.