Ten Hag Out: United Hit the Brakes on Erik’s Era

Assistant manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy to take over as interim head coach after Manchester United sack Erik Ten Hag.

Ten Hag leaves Manchester United after a poor start to the season which sees the Red Devils sitting in 14th place, having only won three games from nine, with just eight goals scored. After two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford with a whopping £616mil spent, the 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the weekend was the final nail in the coffin for the Dutchman.

Despite signing a contract extension in the summer, until 2026, Erik Ten Hag has been given his marching orders which is set to cost the club £14 million. His right-hand man Ruud Van Nistelrooy is to take the reins, with his only previous experience being at Dutch outfit PSV for a season.

Sky Sports pundit, commentator and Manchester United legend Gary Neville said: “The past two-and-a-half years have lacked identity under Ten Hag. It’s been the biggest problem. I don’t think anybody will be truly shocked.”

Neville’s colleague and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also criticised Ten Hag’s style of play: “This decision should’ve happened in the summer. The style of play was the biggest thing…how easy they are to play against. It hasn’t been a disaster… he won two trophies.”

Some of the candidates to become the next permanent Manchester United manager are:

Ruud Van Nistelrooy (4/5), Xavi (9/4), Gareth Southgate (7/2), Thomas Frank (10/1), Kieran McKenna (15/1), Michael Carrick (15/1), Wayne Rooney (100/1).

Odds according to Sky Bet. 

Image from Forbes.