Erik ten Hag has been sacked following months of uncertainty surrounding the managerial position at Manchester United.
According to an exclusive report in the Athletic, the Dutchman was informed on Monday morning following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat against West Ham, departing the North West after two and a half years in charge.
He leaves the side in 14th position in the Premier League table, seven points off the top four and equally as close to the relegation zone.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge on an interim basis, with the entire management team remaining in their positions for the time being.
The club is now working on their next steps, with ample speculation surrounding a catalogue of names to take his place in Manchester.
An inevitable decision
Despite an uncertain end to the season, the 54-year-old retained his position following an impressive Wembley FA Cup victory against fierce rivals Manchester City.
Subsequently, Ineos opted to trigger a one-year contractual extension, with chief executive Omar Berada and sporting director Dan Ashworth publicly backing their manager before a ball was kicked against Liverpool in September.
However, a shocking run of results has compounded endless pressure on the former Ajax man, with United tasting victory in only one of their previous eight outings in all competitions.
Without a continental victory in a year and already 12 points behind the league leaders, a disgruntled support base had vented their feelings publicly, with a growing contingent vocally upset within the Theatre of Dreams.
United have previously discussed the possibility of several high-profile replacements, with now-England manager Thomas Tuchel one of several names considered alongside Thomas Frank.
Yesterday’s defeat, while controversial, was the final straw for the hierarchy, with a growing sense of disenchantment inevitably taking its toll.
For some, parting ways with the manager off the back of a misfiring forward line may seem harsh, but an unhappy customer will only work to the detriment of the new-look United board.
With the arrival of Leicester City for Wednesday’s EFL Cup meeting in Old Trafford, one can only wonder if we will witness the well-noted ‘new manager bounce’, with Ruud taking to the host seat.
For Erik ten Hag, two trophies and a win ratio of 54.69% will remain his legacy in England, with many expecting the Dutchman to land a role on the continent.
The club released a statement shortly after Ornstein, offering acknowledgment of the work supplied during Ten Hag’s tenure.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future,” it reads via the official website.
“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.”
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