Soccer

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.The Red Devils are in talks with Sporting manager Ruben Amorim to become the club’s new manager, with United ready to pay his €10m release clause.NEXT MAN UTD MANAGER LATEST ODDSFollow our live blog below…We have moved!Keep up to date with the very latest from Old Trafford with our live blog.Copy linkCopiedHowe about Eddie?But how about Eddie Howe, whose Newcastle release clause is less than Dan Ashworth’s; who has an excellent record of over-achievement in the Premier League; who preaches an entertaining style of football and has been unsettled by behind-the-scenes changes at St James’ Park.If leaving the club with the richest owners in world football to go to Old Trafford is a step down, then why did Ashworth do it?It is reckoned that Howe might fancy the switch and you can be sure that Ashworth, still a close ally, will have asked the question.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a cost-cutter who, having just shelled out £15million to sack Erik ten Hag, would rather not pay another large compo fee – but he will also understand that this appointment must be the right one, irrespective of cost.Whoever does succeed Ten Hag will inherit an omnishambles. He will need to be utterly clear in his vision and ruthless in his approach.Ashworth and the rest of Sir Jim’s Rat Pack simply have to get this one right.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd move for AmorimManchester United are making a strong move for Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.According to The Athletic, United are actively working on a deal to appoint Amorim.The Red Devils are ready to pay the Portuguese tactician’s €10million (£8.3m) release clause.The Manchester giants are in talks with Sporting and the 39-year-old head coach is open to accepting a move to Old Trafford.Copy linkCopiedWho else?Thomas Frank is the bandwagon candidate and was sounded out by Manchester United earlier this year. His Brentford side play a very direct brand of football but the Dane is tactically flexible.Last week Frank spoke of not relishing the intense spotlight that comes with the biggest jobs – without ruling himself out of making such a move. And wouldn’t it be sadly typical of United to appoint the only manager whose team has lost to them in the last eight games? After those front-runners, it is instructive to look at Dan Ashworth’s previous.Gareth Southgate says he is taking a year out, during which he will literally be knighted for the job he’s just done with England but still won’t be fancied by supporters of any major club. Because, I don’t know, handbrakes or something.Sir Dave Brailsford offered Graham Potter the job at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club, Nice, but he has been out of work since failing in his only elite managerial role at Chelsea. Unai Emery surely isn’t crazy enough to leave Aston Villa for United.Copy linkCopiedMore candidatesThen there’s Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, who distanced himself from the Liverpool vacancy earlier this year and whose mate, Hugo Viana, is Manchester City’s incoming director of football, making him favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.Amorim would be a well-received appointment. But is he already spoken for?Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the caretaker manager, is the bookies’ favourite because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.But the “give it to Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] to the end of the season” and “give it to Ralf [Rangnick] to the end of the season” thing hasn’t worked well in the past. It brings a sense of impermanence and drift.Ratcliffe isn’t a sentimentalist. And anyway Van Nistelrooy doesn’t hold Solskjaer’s nostalgia value.As for others with United links, it is surely too early for Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna or Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick.Copy linkCopiedXavi next?Who is the best man for the job? Pep Guardiola. Can we get him? No. Has Pep got any mates? Yes.Some of Pep’s mates are doing pretty well – Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Enzo Maresca at Chelsea – and so Sir Jim Ratcliffe will surely have asked his chief executive, Pep’s former mate Omar Berrada, whether Pep has any other mates.Hence the one-time Barcelona playmaker and manager Xavi becoming a major contender.But Xavi couldn’t hack the pressure of managing Barca. And that sort of ‘kid on a FIFA computer game’ mindset isn’t Ashworth’s way.It’s the sort of thinking which saw United re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, stink-bombing the dressing room in time for Erik ten Hag’s arrival.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedOver to Sir JimSir Jim Ratcliffe has assembled one hell of a brains trust at Manchester United. So now is the time for them to start getting brainy. To start taking intelligent decisions. To make Manchester United sensible again.The Ineos chief, who took over United’s footballing arm ten months ago, has poached Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as sporting director, Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive and Jason Wilcox from Southampton as technical director.These men sit alongside Ratcliffe’s chum, Sir Dave Brailsford, the former British cycling chief and marginal gains man, as the Old Trafford decision-makers.In the summer, when Ratcliffe made the expensive mistake of handing Ten Hag a new contract after the FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City, his cabinet hadn’t been fully constructed.But now that the delusional Erik ten Hag is gone – ranting on about media ‘fairytales’ over his imminent sacking and denying results that he didn’t like – it’s time for them to take a shot at sanity.Ten Hag will justify himself with boasts about two domestic knock-out trophies. Yet he assembled a former Dutch Eredivisie All Star XI to lead United to 14th place in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League.The £85million fee paid to his former club Ajax for Antony is a towering monument to an era of staggering incompetence. So now it is time to find out whether United will bend to the will of Ratcliffe – a self-made, hard-hootered, multi-billionaire businessman.Or whether Ratcliffe will descend into the United rabbit hole and end up as mad as everyone else employed there since Sir Alex Ferguson resigned in 2013.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag’s last presserErik ten Hag gave a press conference to preview Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester on Wednesday – even though he was sacked today.The Dutchman spoke to the media directly after his press conference following Sunday’s controversial 2-1 loss away to West Ham.Yet bizarrely, Ten Hag found himself axed more than TWO DAYS before the Leicester game.Unfortunately, club staging press conferences directly after games – to preview a match a few days later – is something which has crept into the game.It is actually a bad idea. And it is only to save club media staff and the manager from staging a press conference the day before the game, which has always been the case.But if a manager attempts to preview a game three days later, there is always a danger that the situation could change such as a key player getting injured or something important happening at the club in general.Yet this situation was particularly unusual – and the manager who delivered a pre-match press conference ended up getting the boot.At the conference, which was due to be released at 1.30pm tomorrow, Ten Hag revealed his frustration with Luke Shaw’s injury nightmare.Ten Hag also stressed that he would consider it a success if he won the Carabao Cup for United, meaning he would have won a trophy for a third season in a row.He stressed that the most important thing was to win silverware, above anything else – and pointed out the fact that United still had the chance of winning four trophies – even though he has been sacked with United 14th in the table.Copy linkCopiedInside Erik ten Hag’s sacking as reasons Man Utd finally pulled the trigger revealedErik 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.Copy linkCopiedFrank speaks about Man Utd vacancySpeaking 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: GettyCopy linkCopiedLineker suggests ‘brilliant’ left-field coach Man Utd ‘probably won’t think about’ to replace Ten HagGary 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.”Copy linkCopiedZidane the fan favourite to replace Ten Hag as Manchester United managerA 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.Copy linkCopiedMicah Richards reacts to Ten Hag sacking and next managerSpeaking 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.”Copy linkCopiedMan Utd chief tasked with choosing Ten Hag replacement has incredible hit-rateManchester 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.Copy linkCopiedTen Hag’s worst XI of Man Utd signings cost £300MILLIONErik 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.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING: Ten Hag seen for first time since Man Utd sackingThe 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: ZenpixCopy linkCopiedHojlund reactsRasmus 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.Copy linkCopiedDamning numbersHere are Man Utd’s defensive numbers compared to other Premier League clubs under Ten Hag:Copy linkCopiedOle ‘under consideration’ for bombshell Man Utd returnFormer 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.”Copy linkCopiedHow much Man Utd will have to pay Ten Hag after sackingIt 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: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBiggest net spend since Ten Hag joined Man UtdHere is a list of the highest-spending Premier League clubs since Erik ten Hag was appointed Man Utd manager in 2022.Chelsea – £715mMan Utd – £400mTottenham – £310.5mArsenal – £285mNewcastle – £235mCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedFerdinand reacts to Ten Hag sackingFormer 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.”Copy linkCopiedWhat 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: ReutersCopy linkCopied’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: AlamyCopy linkCopiedNeville on Ten Hag’s sackingGary 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.”Copy linkCopied More