- Dutchman finally runs out of time!
- Sunday’s 1-2 loss to West Ham the final straw
Faltering Premier League giants, Manchester United have finally parted ways with their beleaguered Dutch Manager, Erik ten Hag (ETH) after the nightmarish start to 2024-25 season peaked on Sunday with the abysmal 1-2 defeat by West Ham being the last straw.
With even the most ardent supporters rueing their pathetic showing so far, the Club’s minority shareholders, INEOS pulled the trigger with immediate effect on Monday, less than 24 hours after the team’s damaging loss to the struggling Hammers.
Officially confirming the Dutchman’s exit from the managerial position after just over two years on the saddle, INEOS’ patience expectedly ran out with the Red Devils losing four of nine Premier Leagues games so far.
In an official statement on Monday, the Red Devils announced that the embattled Dutch tactician has been relieved of his duties following the dismal defeat at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The statement read thus; “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.”
With ETH in charge, United are making their worst-ever start to a Premier League season as Sunday’s loss to West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League table after nine games.
To the dismay of their supporters, United have also failed to win any of their three Europa League games, drawing against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce.
Before now, the clean-shaven Manager was on the verge of losing his job late last season as United came eighth in the Premier League, their worst finish since 1990.
Amid the huge discontentment, the Old Trafford LandLords reached out to several candidates that included Ipswich boss, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank and former FC Barcelona Coach Xavi Hernandez, but Ten Hag was lucky to hang on following the Club’s magical FA Cup victory over rivals, Manchester City. In the process, he even got a one-year contract extension.
But with the latest development, United may be forced to pay an estimated £7 million in compensation to Ten Hag, a situation that could have been avoided in the summer.
As things stand now, Club Legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy will be taking charge of the team as interim Head Coach while United go in search of a permanent replacement for Ten Hag.
In his first major assignment on the touchline, the legendary ex-Dutch striker is expected to lead the Red Devils out against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup last 16 clash on Wednesday inside Old Trafford.
