Erik ten Hag’s time as Manchester United manager has come to an abrupt end following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season. A string of poor results, including a 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium on October 27, sealed his fate. With Manchester United sitting in a dismal 14th place after nine games and having won just one of their last eight matches across all competitions, the club decided to part ways with the Dutchman.
Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim head coach until a permanent replacement is found.
The Dutchman’s reign came to an uninspiring end (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
In this article, we’ll explore how ten Hag’s tenure unfolded, what led to his dismissal, and what lies ahead for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag’s Appointment and Initial Success at Manchester United
Ten Hag was appointed Manchester United manager in the summer of 2022, following his successful stint with Ajax. He was brought in to restore the glory days at Old Trafford, a task that had proven elusive for his predecessors since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Initially, ten Hag made a strong impact, leading United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and securing two domestic trophies—the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. He became the first manager since Ferguson to win back-to-back domestic trophies, igniting hopes that the club was on the path to reclaiming its past dominance.
The Rapid Decline: What Went Wrong for ten Hag?
Despite a promising start, ten Hag’s tenure began to unravel during the 2023/24 season. Here are the key factors that contributed to the downward spiral:
1. Poor League Form and Results
Manchester United’s performances in the Premier League became inconsistent, with unexpected losses to lower-ranked teams and a lack of coherence in attacking play. The Red Devils struggled to score goals, despite having a strong attacking lineup. Their defensive weaknesses were also exposed, with frequent lapses leading to critical losses.
2. Early Struggles in European Competition
United’s struggles were not limited to domestic football. In the ongoing 2024/25 season, they failed to secure a single win in their first three Europa League matches, drawing all three games after initially taking the lead. Currently sitting 21st out of 36 teams in the Europa League table, the poor run in Europe was another major factor in ten Hag’s dismissal. The club’s hopes of progressing in Europe now hang by a thread.
3. Tactical Issues and Squad Morale
Critics pointed to ten Hag’s rigid tactical approach as a major flaw. His preferred style of possession-based football often looked disjointed, with players struggling to adapt to the system. The lack of fluidity in attack, coupled with defensive errors, made it difficult for United to control games.
Moreover, reports of dressing-room unrest surfaced, with several players allegedly unhappy with the manager’s decisions. Key players, including some big-money signings, were often benched or deployed in unfamiliar positions, leading to further discontent.
4. Humiliating Losses to Rivals
Manchester United’s performances against top Premier League sides also left much to be desired. This season, they suffered heavy 3-0 home defeats to both Liverpool and Tottenham, leading to sharp criticism from fans and pundits. Former United defender Gary Neville labeled the defeat to Tottenham as “disgusting,” highlighting the team’s inability to compete with elite rivals.
These losses to fierce competitors not only dented United’s league position but also damaged team morale and fan support, adding more pressure on ten Hag.
5. Contract Extension and Increased Expectations
Before the start of the 2024/25 season, Manchester United extended ten Hag’s contract by one year following the club’s FA Cup win over Manchester City. The extension increased expectations for the new campaign. However, the team’s subsequent poor start in the league and Europe created a sense of urgency among the club’s hierarchy, ultimately leading to the decision to part ways with the Dutchman.
Manchester United’s Official Statement on Erik ten Hag’s Departure
Following the decision, Manchester United released an official statement across their social media channels:
“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. 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.”
The club’s statement reflected gratitude for ten Hag’s initial contributions but acknowledged the need for a change given the current situation.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
1. Ruud van Nistelrooy as Interim Head Coach
Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as interim head coach. Van Nistelrooy, who has experience managing at youth levels and with PSV Eindhoven, will aim to stabilize the team while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Van Nistelrooy’s appointment may bring a temporary boost in morale, given his iconic status among United supporters. However, the road to recovery is long, and the team must quickly improve results in both domestic and European competitions.
United have had an abysmal start to the 24/25 season (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
2. Potential Candidates for Permanent Manager
As Manchester United embarks on the hunt for a new permanent manager, speculation is rife about who could take over the reins. Some names already being linked include:
- Zinedine Zidane: The Frenchman, who won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid, has been a long-time target for United. His experience and tactical acumen make him a strong candidate.
- Mauricio Pochettino: The Argentine manager, known for his stint at Tottenham Hotspur, has been on United’s radar for years. His attacking philosophy aligns with the club’s traditions.
- Julian Nagelsmann: The young German manager, who has coached RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, is seen as one of the brightest tactical minds in modern football.
3. Immediate Priorities for the Club
The immediate priorities for Manchester United will be:
- Reviving Team Spirit: Van Nistelrooy will need to work on boosting player morale and restoring confidence in the dressing room.
- Fixing Tactical Gaps: Addressing defensive frailties and improving the team’s attacking play will be crucial for achieving short-term success.
- Securing a European Spot: With the league position at risk, United must target consistent performances to climb back up the table and secure a spot in European competition next season.
Conclusion: End of an Era, But Hope for a Fresh Start
Erik ten Hag’s sacking marks the end of yet another managerial chapter for Manchester United, a club that has struggled to find stability since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Despite initial successes, ten Hag could not sustain the momentum, leading to his dismissal amidst poor performances and mounting pressure. As the club transitions to new leadership under Ruud van Nistelrooy, the focus will be on rebuilding team morale and regaining competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
Manchester United’s loyal fanbase remains hopeful that the next managerial appointment will finally bring back the glory days to Old Trafford. The quest for success continues, with the search for a new permanent manager signaling another opportunity for the club to get back on track. Will this be the turning point United fans have been waiting for? Only time will tell.
