MANCHESTER UNITED have decided to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag after a dismal start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Red Devils sacked Ten Hag on Monday following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on the weekend.
The Premier League giants failed to find any consistency under the Dutchman, with speculation around his future starting at the backend of last season.
Man Utd have put Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge on an interim basis as the club begin their search for their seventh manager since Sir Alex Fergurson left the club.
Names linked to the post include Gareth Southgate, Ruben Amorim and Graham Potter.
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Inside Erik ten Hag’s sacking as reasons Man Utd finally pulled the trigger revealed
Erik ten Hag has finally been sacked by Manchester United – and SunSport can reveal the reasons why.
The Dutch boss, 54, was axed just hours after the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat at West Ham as the club released a blunt 87-word statement.
The result leaves Man Utd 14th in the Premier League – with the club also winless in all three of their Europa League matches.
Ten Hag was under serious pressure in the summer after guiding United to a record-worst eighth placed finish.
But ultimately the ex-Ajax boss escaped the axe and was handed an improved contract on the back of his side’s FA Cup win.
However, SunSport can now reveal why United chiefs performed a U-turn just nine games into the Premier League season.
While Red Devils chiefs found the decision difficult, they were unanimous in their decision to move on from Ten Hag.
The United boardroom were keen to give the Dutchman a chance to work under the new structure put in place by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United bosses were keen to keep Ten Hag in a bid to find continuity in their leadership for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012-13 season.
However, they were left disappointed by both the results AND the performances on the pitch and feared the lack of momentum could only cause United to fall further.
Chiefs felt there were no excuses for the shoddy form and poor results both in the Premier League and Europa League – especially the manner in which the side have dropped points from winning positions.
Having put things in place to watch the team develop, the shocking start to 2024-25 left them with no option but to sack Ten Hag.
Frank speaks about Man Utd vacancy
Speaking to the media ahead of Brentford’s Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday, Frank said: “Of course, I feel for Erik. He is a great coach and has a great career. He did a good job at Man United, two trophies in two years.
“It’s a non-stop developing world and that is more than acceptable. At these big clubs, there are massive expectations but there has to be a reality check… You feel for guys who lose their jobs and I’m sure Erik gave everything.
“There are better people to judge that (improvement). He had a very good first season and had more than a few injury problems.”
When asked if he wanted the Man Utd job, Frank said: “I’ve got a big responsibility to Brentford Football Club, the fans, the leadership, players and staff. One focus, to beat Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
“I’m very happy here, one of the best clubs in the world. What happens in the future who knows, but I am very happy here.”
Credit: Getty Lineker suggests ‘brilliant’ left-field coach Man Utd ‘probably won’t think about’ to replace Ten Hag
Gary Lineker has thrown an unexpected name into the hat to replace Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman was sacked as Manchester United manager on Monday following weeks of speculation.
Match of the Day host Lineker joined Micah Richards and Alan Shearer to discuss United’s next steps on their podcast The Rest Is Football.
The panel speculated on who would come in to take over from Ten Hag long term.
And Lineker put forward Lee Carsley, England’s current interim coach, as a surprise candidate.
Lineker said: “I’m going to throw in a name here. I think it would be very interesting, he’s certainly a brilliant coach.
“A certain Lee Carsley – who they probably won’t think about.
“He’s a really imaginative coach, he plays attacking football.
“From what I heard from England players, they thought he was really good. Really interesting and thoughtful on the game.”
Zidane the fan favourite to replace Ten Hag as Manchester United manager
A survey conducted by BetMGM, which polled 1,000 Manchester United supporters — found that over a quarter of fans (26%) would like to see the Frenchman take over at Old Trafford ahead of Ten Hag’s former assistant and current interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, at 20%.
Gareth Southgate was also fancied by 20% of voters, while new England manager Thomas Tuchel was liked by 15%.
Former United player and current Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick attracted 14% of votes — the same percentage as ex-Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Eddie Howe.
Interestingly, Ruben Amorim, Xavi Hernandez and Julian Nagelsmann – all fancied in the betting to replace Ten Hag – were not picked by any fans.
Micah Richards reacts to Ten Hag sacking and next manager
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “You have to give them time.
“They have got some good people in the backroom staff. I think all the noises coming out of Man United are not good, leaks to the press and all of that sort of thing.
“They had the meeting the other week with Ten Hag. It looked like he was going to be sacked, it didn’t happen and then it happens today. I think they have the right pieces in play.”
Man Utd chief tasked with choosing Ten Hag replacement has incredible hit-rate
Manchester United chief Dan Ashworth has the tough job of picking the club’s new manager after Erik ten Hag was sacked.
Ashworth is set to lead the search and he boasts an impressive CV when it comes to appointing the right managers for the right teams.
The 53-year-old previously worked for the FA and played a huge role in giving Gareth Southgate the England job in 2016.
He revolutionised the team and guided the Three Lions to two Euros finals that ended in heartbreak.
Ashworth then worked at Brighton, where he appointed Graham Potter as boss.
He implemented an attractive style of play and took them from near the bottom of the league to European contenders.
Ashworth then moved to Newcastle and he gave Eddie Howe the job, who led the Toon into the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
Interestingly, Unai Emery was supposedly his first-choice at St James’ Park, but the Spaniard instead went on to oversee Aston Villa’s remarkable rise from relegation candidates to matching Europe’s elite.
Ten Hag’s worst XI of Man Utd signings cost £300MILLION
Erik ten Hag has been sacked with Manchester United 14th in the Premier League and £300MILLION out of pocket.
The Dutchman was shown the exit door following 2-1 defeat at West Ham with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to take charge in the interim.
Ten Hag leaves with an FA Cup and Carabao Cup to his name but in the league and Europe results were underwhelming.
And so too was his transfer business.
In his two seasons, Ten Hag signed 21 players costing over £545m.
BREAKING: Ten Hag seen for first time since Man Utd sacking
The Dutchman has been spotted for the first time since his dramatic Manchester United axing.
Ten Hag was dismissed as Red Devils manager on Monday morning.
Ten Hag was seen getting into the back of his car as he left his Cheshire home.
The 54-year-old bowed his head as he prepared to travel back to the Netherlands.
Man Utd released a blunt 87-word statement as the 54-year-old was relieved of his duties.
It read: “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.”
Credit: Zenpix Hojlund reacts
Rasmus Hojlund has taken to Instagram to react to the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
The forward was signed by the Dutchman in 2023, joining from Atalanta for an initial fee of £64million.
Damning numbers
Here are Man Utd’s defensive numbers compared to other Premier League clubs under Ten Hag:
Ole ‘under consideration’ for bombshell Man Utd return
Former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is being linked with a stunning Old Trafford return.
The Red Devils are searching for a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Ten Hag leaves the club with United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
He was given his marching orders following a dismal run of just 4 wins in 14 games across all competitions.
Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in temporary charge and is currently favourite to take over full-time.
But it’s reportedly another blast from the past who may be back in the dugout long-term.
Solskjaer – who has been a free agent since United dismissed him in November 2021 – could benefit from the awkward timing of the dismissal.
Ten Hag is due a whopping £17million in compensation with United having to buy him out of his huge contract.
Cost-cutting is already underway at Old Trafford and club bosses are reportedly scouring cheaper options.
According to the Manchester Evening News, free agent Solskjaer is therefore “under consideration for a return.”
The report adds it is unclear if he is viewed as a” serious long-term option as manager or a backroom staff member.”
How much Man Utd will have to pay Ten Hag after sacking
It has been revealed how much Manchester United will have to pay up after sacking Erik ten Hag.
According to reports, the Red Devils will have to pay up to £15million to the Dutchman.
The former Ajax manager was reportedly earning £6.75m-per year with a contract until the summer of 2026.
Ten Hag signed a contract extension at the start of July after winning the FA Cup with United.
Credit: Reuters Biggest net spend since Ten Hag joined Man Utd
Here is a list of the highest-spending Premier League clubs since Erik ten Hag was appointed Man Utd manager in 2022.
- Chelsea – £715m
- Man Utd – £400m
- Tottenham – £310.5m
- Arsenal – £285m
- Newcastle – £235m
Credit: GETTY Ferdinand reacts to Ten Hag sacking
Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, spoke on his YouTube reacting to the breaking news regarding Ten Hag, he said: “I look at Ineos and I think about the way things panned out at the end of the season.
“Did they back themselves into a corner, with the way that they handled stuff in the summer?
“They’ll look back and go ‘we could have handled it better’. I think having a manager in place and actively looking for new managers and it becoming public knowledge, isn’t a great way to do it.
“It isn’t a great way to advertise for the job. It’s hard for the guy coming in, to come in under that cloud.
“It’s also even harder for the guy whose in the hot seat, still the manager and then they keep him as the manager and he has to face questions constantly about his standing within the organisation.
“It’s not easy to navigate through a situation that is so public, a club the size of Manchester United but if they’re honest, Ineos – they could have done that in a better way.”
What did Ten Hag win during his time as Man Utd manager?
The Dutchman was in charge of the Red Devils for two-and-a-half years.
Ten Hag enjoyed a successful first season as United boss with a third-placed finish in the Premier League and his side won the EFL Cup – the club’s first major honour in six years.
However, the Dutchman failed to build on the success of his opening season after a disappointed eighth-placed finish, United’s lowest in Prem history.
United were also knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League.
That said, the Red Devils did end the season on a high by winning the FA Cup, beating rivals Man City 2-1 at Wembley.
Credit: Reuters
‘Thanks for everything boss!’
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has had his say following Ten Hag’s sacking.
He posted on Instagram: “Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.
“Even knowing the last period isn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager as done for our club!”
Credit: Alamy Neville on Ten Hag’s sacking
Gary Neville has had his say on Ten Hag’s sacking as Man Utd boss.
“The big shock for me is just how bad they’ve been, with the new signings that have come in,” he told Sky Sports News.
“I felt as though they would be able to get a decent level of performance together. The fact it was a smooth transfer window, the fact with Erik Ten Hag, there’s some stability.
“But the fact they’re in 14th is unnacceptable. You can’t be in 14th after nearly nine or 10 games with the level of spend that’s occured.
“I was hoping it would end differently, I think United fans were hoping that the manager could keep his job, but it’s just not been the case.”
More potential candidates
Edin Terzic
Earlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.
German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.
He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him now they’ve sacked Ten Hag.
Graham Potter
The English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.
He’s reportedly highly-thought of by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and likes to play attacking football.
Credit: PA Kieran McKenna
McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.
The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.
McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.
Runners and riders
So who could take over as permanent United boss following Ten Hag’s axing as manager?
We know Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on a permanent basis.
But here’s who could take the post full-time.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.
And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts. How long the club will give him is another matter.
Gareth Southgate
Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.
However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.
Piers Morgan has his say
Piers Morgan has made his feelings clear on Erik Ten Hag’s sacking.
The Sun columnist has been staunch in his views that Ten Hag should’ve been sacked months ago.
Next up for United
Things weren’t going to get any easier for Erik Ten Hag, had he kept his position as manager.
United take on Chelsea next in the Premier League in what will now be the all-important audition process for Van Nistelrooy.
As a player, the former Real Madrid striker netted three times against the Blues in the Premier League.
He’ll be desperate for one of his own strikers to try and do the same on Sunday night.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues have enjoyed a good start to their campaign and currently sit fifth on 17 points.
Grim viewing
Just three wins in the league this season, with one of those coming against 20th-place Southampton.
It was coming
The fact of the matter is; this shouldn’t have been a surprise to Manchester United fans or Erik Ten Hag.
Although the former Ajax man started well, winning a Carabao Cup and securing a Champions League spot in his first season, the club have dithered ever since.
United finished eighth last season, their lowest ever league position, and even their FA Cup win over Manchester City looks to have papered over the cracks.
The club are languishing in 14th after nine games this season. New owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group have ultimately decided that enough was enough.
With a goal difference of -3, having picked up just three points from three games in Europe, they decided it was time for a change.
Credit: Getty Results this season
They simply haven’t been good enough this season.
- Man Utd 1-0 Fulham – W
- Brighton 2-1 Man Utd – L
- Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool – L
- Southampton 0-3 Man Utd – W
- Man Utd 7-0 Barnsley – W
- Palace 0-0 Man Utd – D
- Man Utd 1-1 Twente – D
- Man Utd 0-3 Tottenham – L
- Man Utd 3-3 Porto – D
- Villa 0-0 Man Utd – D
- Man Utd 2-1 Brentford – W
- Fenerbahce 1-1 Man Utd – D
- West Ham 2-1 Man Utd – L
Ruud awakening
Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge as manager on an interim basis.
The former Red Devils striker only came in as Ten Hag’s assistant at the beginning of this season.
And already he finds himself in one of the biggest jobs in football.
Credit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
