Erik ten Hag’s tenure as Manchester United manager has come to a sudden halt following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season. After a string of poor performances, the Dutchman was sacked following a 2-1 defeat against West Ham at the London Stadium on October 27. The loss leaves United languishing in 14th place, with just one win in their last eight matches. In this article, we’ll delve into ten Hag’s journey, the reasons for his dismissal, and what lies ahead for Manchester United.
The Dutchman’s reign came to an uninspiring end (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
A Promising Start that Faded Quickly
When Erik ten Hag was appointed in the summer of 2022, there was a sense of optimism among United fans. Ten Hag, who had built a strong reputation at Ajax, was seen as a tactical visionary capable of restoring Manchester United to glory. His first season ended on a positive note, with United clinching the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, marking the first consecutive trophy wins for a United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
The 2022/23 season also saw Manchester United finish third in the league, raising hopes for a genuine title challenge in the following year. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.
The Downfall: Disastrous 2024/25 Season Start
The 2024/25 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Manchester United. The club managed to secure only one victory in their opening nine league games, which resulted in their lowest Premier League standing since the competition’s inception. Key losses, including 3-0 thrashings at Old Trafford by rivals Liverpool and Tottenham, left fans disheartened and pundits questioning the team’s tactics and motivation.
The Europa League campaign further compounded the misery, as United failed to win any of their first three matches. Despite leading in each of these games, they only managed draws, leaving them 21st out of 36 teams in the competition. With the team’s domestic and European struggles, ten Hag’s position became increasingly untenable.
Manchester United’s Official Statement: Ten Hag’s Departure
On October 27, Manchester United released a statement confirming Erik ten Hag’s departure. The club expressed gratitude for his contributions, stating, “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.” The club also confirmed that former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim manager while the search for a permanent successor begins.
The Pressure Mounts: What Went Wrong Under Ten Hag?
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Despite having a well-regarded defensive strategy, ten Hag’s United struggled to keep clean sheets. They conceded multiple goals in several key fixtures, including heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham. The backline, often criticized for its lack of organization, became a significant weakness.
- Lack of Attacking Cohesion: While ten Hag’s philosophy focused on ball possession and quick transitions, the team often lacked cohesion in the final third. Miscommunications, inconsistent performances from forwards, and injuries to key players resulted in a failure to convert chances.
- Inconsistent Midfield: United’s midfield struggled to maintain control in high-pressure matches. Injuries, poor form, and a lack of depth contributed to the team’s inability to dominate games, leading to frequent turnovers and counter-attacks from opponents.
- Dressing Room Discontent: Rumors of unrest within the squad circulated throughout the season. Players reportedly struggled to adapt to ten Hag’s demands, and a lack of morale seemed evident in United’s performances on the pitch.
Van Nistelrooy Steps In as Interim Manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former United legend, has been appointed as interim manager. Van Nistelrooy, who had a successful stint as a forward at Manchester United from 2001 to 2006, will now face the challenge of steadying the ship during this turbulent time. He will be assisted by the current coaching staff as United looks to salvage the remainder of the season. His familiarity with the club’s culture and his passion for success might provide a temporary boost, but a long-term solution is still needed.
The Bigger Picture: Manchester United’s Managerial Woes Post-Ferguson
Ten Hag is the fifth manager to be sacked by Manchester United in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. The club has cycled through David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and now Erik ten Hag, yet the elusive Premier League title has remained out of reach. The constant managerial changes highlight deeper issues within the club, from inconsistent recruitment to boardroom decision-making.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
United have had an abysmal start to the 24/25 season (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The club’s search for a new permanent manager is underway, with several potential candidates being considered. Speculation surrounds names like Zinedine Zidane, Luis Enrique, and even a possible return for Mauricio Pochettino. Whoever takes the reins will face immense pressure to turn things around quickly, as the fanbase demands not just results but a return to the attacking, high-tempo football that once defined Manchester United.
Meanwhile, United’s board will also need to reassess their approach to squad building, coaching staff appointments, and long-term planning. The club’s failure to adapt to the modern football landscape has been evident in their repeated struggles, making a comprehensive overhaul essential for any lasting success.
Conclusion: Ten Hag’s Sacking Marks Another Turning Point for Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United is a reminder of the brutal nature of top-flight football. While his tenure brought hope and silverware, the disappointing start to the 2024/25 season ultimately sealed his fate. Manchester United now finds itself at yet another crossroads, with the future of the club resting on the decisions made in the coming months. As the search for a new manager begins, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, hoping for a revival of the once-dominant football powerhouse.
