Manchester United have fired manager Erik Ten Hag after a poor start to the 2024/25 season. 

The decision follows United’s 2-1 loss away to West Ham on Sunday, which left the club in 14th place in the Premier League, with just three wins from nine games.

In an official statement, Manchester United described the decision to let Ten Hag go as challenging but necessary, and the club expressed thanks for his efforts.

“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,” reads the statement.

United are also struggling in the Europa League, ranked 21st out of 36 teams after drawing all three of their opening matches.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former United striker and Ten Hag’s assistant since last summer, has been named interim manager. The club stated that Van Nistelrooy will take charge “while a permanent head coach is recruited.”

Ten Hag’s time at United saw some high points, including the FA Cup win over Manchester City in May, which led the club to extend his contract by a year.

However, after United’s sluggish start to the current season, the board decided to make the change.

Since Sir Alex Fergusson’s retirement in 2013, Ten Hag was Manchester United’s fifth permanent manager.

Nistelrooy’s first assignment as an interim coach will be at home against Chelsea on 3rd November, 2024.

Several international sports websites are reporting that potential candidates have already been linked to replace Ten Hag, including Julian Nagelsmann, Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso and former Barcelona coach and mid fielder Xavi.