Erik Ten Hag’s unwavering stance on Manchester United’s disappointing Europa League start clashed with the club’s higher-ups, leading to his dismissal.
United, currently 21st in the revamped Europa League standings, drew their recent matches against Porto and Fenerbahce despite initially taking the lead in both.
Following the 1-1 draw in Turkey, Ten Hag defended the two-point outcome as “a result,” even though the team’s lack of wins in the group stage added pressure.
“A point in Porto, a point in Fenerbahce—that’s not bad,” Ten Hag stated, emphasizing his belief that these were acceptable results from challenging away games.
However, the club’s leadership didn’t share his outlook. United’s failure to capitalize on early leads in these European matches, combined with an underwhelming Premier League performance, contributed to the decision to part ways.
Just a day after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham left United in 14th place in the league, Ten Hag’s departure was finalized.
Former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy, brought on by Ten Hag this summer to enhance the coaching team, will step in as interim head coach. Club sources insist van Nistelrooy’s position will be temporary while a permanent replacement is found.
Earlier this month, pressure on Ten Hag peaked, with the executive team, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, holding a high-level meeting in London.
The initial decision was to support Ten Hag; however, a shift in stance ultimately led to his dismissal this morning. United currently sit seven points outside the top four in the Premier League and face a precarious path forward in the Europa League, with three group-stage draws threatening their campaign.
Manchester United’s statement, released just before noon, expressed gratitude for Ten Hag’s contributions, including the Carabao Cup win in 2023 and the FA Cup triumph in 2024.
The statement read: “Erik Ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him the best for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will assume the role of interim head coach while the club identifies a permanent replacement.”
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