Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager following Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat against West Ham United.
Jarrod Bowen scored a stoppage-time penalty to leave United 14th in the table with only three wins from their opening nine games of the league campaign.
Ten Hag was at risk of losing his job last season following an eighth-place finish in the league, but an encouraging win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final saw him handed a contract extension until 2026.
The FA Cup was the second trophy Ten Hag won during his time at Old Trafford, following the Carabao Cup triumph in 2023.
Manchester United’s hierarchy has described the decision to sack Ten Hag—who was only given a contract extension this summer—as “difficult and finely balanced.”
Club statement: Erik ten Hag.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 28, 2024
However, it is understood that the decision by the club’s board made less than 24 hours after their controversial 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday, was unanimous.
Crucially, it was felt that the club’s on-field results have not been good enough.
In contrast to the comments from Ten Hag, the hierarchy did not see the team on the right path and felt there were no excuses for the position United was in.
They have won just four of their 14 games this season.
“No-one watches United and doesn’t think the players are better than what they are showing,” said Gary Neville. “The lack of identity and style is something that has been a mystery for the last two-and-a-half seasons.”
