Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United have parted company less than 24 hours after the Red Devils fell to 2-1 loss at West Ham United and drop to 14th spot on the Premier League table.
Ten Hag was previously backed by the board at Old Trafford to see the club through the 2024-25 campaign, and had his previous contract renewed at the start of the season despite holding constructive talks with Thomas Tuchel – who has since taken the England job and will resume January 2025.
However, Jarrod Bowen’s stoppage time penalty winner for the Hammers at the London Stadium on Sunday extended the club’s poor form and broke the proverbial camel’s back for INEOS regarding Ten Hag’s time at the club.
The Red Devils left London with their fourth loss already after only nine Premier League games, and just one win from their last eight matches in all competitions – including three draws in the Europa League.
During his tenure as United boss, Ten Hag oversaw a 54.7% win rate, winning 70 of 128 matches and lifting two trophies – the League Cup at Newcastle United’s expense, and FA Cup last season over Man. City.
While the search for a new Head Coach has started, with rumours of Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim eyed as Ten Hag’s replacement, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in charge on an interim basis.
The Dutchman’s first test comes in the shape of a tricky EFL Cup Round of 16 clash at home to Leicester City on Tuesday night, followed by a crucial clash at home to in-form Chelsea in the league on Sunday.