Manchester United has announced that Erik ten Hag is no longer the club’s manager following a challenging start to the season.
Appointed in April 2022, the Dutch coach led United to two major trophies—the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024—but has struggled with consistent performance. Sunday’s 2-1 loss to West Ham left United in 14th place, prompting the club’s decision to part ways.
“We appreciate Erik’s contributions and wish him well,” read United’s statement on Monday.
Former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy, brought in as ten Hag’s assistant this season, will step in as interim manager while the search for a permanent head coach begins.
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This change is part of a broader restructuring since Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS purchased a 25% stake in the club last December.
Despite finishing eighth last season, the club extended ten Hag’s contract after his FA Cup win against Manchester City.
However, United’s lacklustre performance this season, despite the great investment in players, ultimately sealed Ten Hag’s fate.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, United has seen five permanent managers come and go, as the club continues to search for stability.
During his tenure, ten Hag aimed to replicate his successful strategies from Ajax but faced various challenges.
An influx of players from his Ajax days, such as Lisandro Martínez and André Onana, didn’t deliver the anticipated success. Onana showed signs of becoming the reliable goalkeeper United has long needed, yet many new signings failed to impact United’s overall performance.
United’s identity on the field also remained unclear. Fans expected ten Hag to instill a coherent, attacking style, yet the team often appeared disjointed, lacking the clarity that characterized United’s past.
The club’s new leadership is tasked with setting a clear direction. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim role offers a temporary solution, but United’s long-term vision involves building a sustainable plan that could see the club return to the top of English football.
CEO Omar Berrada has already outlined a three-year strategy aimed at bringing United the Premier League title by 2028, when the club will mark their 150th anniversary.
