Manchester United statement in full as interim manager named after Erik ten Hag sacked

Manchester United have confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy will take temporary charge of the first team until a full-time replacement for Erik ten Hag is confirmed.

Ten Hag has been sacked by United after a poor start to the season. Sunday's defeat at West Ham left the club 14th in the Premier League, while this season's Europa League campaign began with three straight draws.

"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager," a club statement read. "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. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

Ten Hag won trophies in each of his first two seasons as United manager, but found himself under pressure after finishing eighth in the Premier League last term. He was given a stay of execution by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, even agreeing a new contract over the summer, but his time has now run out.

United have taken just 11 points from their nine league games this term - winning three, drawing two and losing four. A lack of goals has also been an issue, with the eight scored under Ten Hag this term representing the third-lowest tally in the entire Premier League.

Van Nistelrooy, who spent five years on United's books during his playing days, joined Ten Hag's coaching setup during the close-season. The former Netherlands striker previously spent a season in charge of PSV Eindhoven, leading them to cup glory in 2023.

Were Manchester United right to sack Erik ten Hag? Have your say in the comments section

Ten Hag's final game wasn't without its controversy. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen scored a late winner from the penalty spot after Matthijs de Ligt was ruled to have fouled Danny Ings, with the spot-kick awarded after a VAR check.

“ Football is not always the best team winning," Ten Hag said after Sunday's defeat. "Today it’s very obvious and clear. Today we were far better than the opponent and there are two things: we didn’t score and it was a very poor decision from the referee – on-field and definitely also off-field.”

The former Ajax boss also made his feelings clear on the penalty decision. “Before the season, we got clear instructions [about] how they run the process and it was that they only interfere, the VAR, when it’s clear and obvious," he said.

"This was not clear and obvious so the VAR should stay away from this, but then also the on-field referee took three minutes. It’s clear and obvious that, when you have to consider it that long, and when it has such an impact on the game, you should stay away from the penalty.”

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