The Dutchman ten Hag won both the league cup (2023) and the FA Cup (2024) during his time in United. But he has simultaneously had major problems with getting the game to work and the team has fallen far behind in the league.
Last season, United finished eighth in the league and after nine rounds of this season, the team is in 14th place in the Premier League. After three matches in this year's Europa League, United have not yet won, and in last year's Champions League, the team was eliminated already in the group stage.
Sunday's 1-2 loss to West Ham in the league was the drop.
Now the club management is taking action.
"Wishing him all the best"
On its website, United writes:
"We are grateful for everything Erik has done during his time with us and we wish him all the best for the future."
The 54-year-old Erik ten Hag joined United ahead of the 2022-2023 season and initially got the club going decently. But from last season, it has gone rapidly downhill.
He is just one in a row of coaches who have had a hard time living up to expectations in the English giant club that has underperformed significantly since legend Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. In turn, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag have tried to fill the shoes.
United's team captain Bruno Fernandes writes on his Instagram:
"Thanks for everything, boss. I appreciate the trust and the moments we shared together. I wish you all the best for the future. Even though the last period has not been good for us, I hope you fans can remember the good things he has done for our club."
The legend takes over
The former attacking star Ruud van Nistelrooy - who had many successful seasons as a player in the club - will take over as temporary head coach. He returned to United ahead of this season to be part of the leadership staff. Last season, he was coach for Dutch PSV Eindhoven.
United writes that van Nistelrooy will lead the team until a permanent head coach has been recruited.
