Reaction to Manchester United sacking manager Erik Ten Hag
· CNA · JoinManchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag, with the team languishing 14th in the Premier League table after nine games, the club said in a statement on Monday.
United have appointed the club's assistant manager and ex-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as the new boss at Old Trafford on an interim basis, the club added. Following are quotes and reactions to the announcement.
MANCHESTER UNITED CAPTAIN BRUNO FERNANDES
"Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.
"Even knowing the last period isn't been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager as done for our club!"
FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER AND SKY SPORTS PUNDIT GARY NEVILLE
"I think the lack of identity and style is something that has been a mystery for the last two-and-a-half seasons. The recruitment has been awful at times but I believe there are a group of players who can play better than they are.
"Lack of style has been the biggest problem. It is a real struggle watching them play and it hasn't changed in the last 18 months. That has been as bad as the results.
"... Looking at that Tottenham game a few weeks ago I felt I had seen this before. It was a bad day for Manchester United and a bad day for Erik ten Hag. It's got worse from then.
"... Overall, the challenges of the results and performances have meant that the owners have decided to sack him. I don't think anybody will be truly shocked."
FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER AND TELEVISION PUNDIT RIO FERDINAND
"Erik ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad and Ruud van Nistelrooy, as interim manager, has to work with that squad.
"If you look further ahead, at the replacement of the manager. What are they going to do with this squad? Because this is a bunch of players who have underperformed for numerous managers now.
"Some of these players have been here for one, two, three managers and we've still had the same results, where (the team) hasn't been performing, hasn't been consistent enough and hasn't challenged for anything, of any sort.
"Someone's got to come in and change that now."
FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER AND ENGLISH FOOTBALL PUNDIT JAMIE CARRAGHER
"I'm not sure what Man United can do right now, I don't think the fans would buy Gareth Southgate, but I don't think Xavi would be a bad appointment.
"He's got huge status as a player, that doesn't make you a great manager but it does give you instant respect on the training pitch.
"There's no-one in that dressing room who has won more than him, and he has been a manager of a huge football club and had success. He's won a league and a cup, up against Carlo Ancelotti. He's not got a bad CV."
BRENTFORD MANAGER THOMAS FRANK
"Of course, I feel for Erik. He is a great coach and has a great career. He did a good job at Man United, two trophies in two years.
"It's a non-stop developing world and that is more than acceptable. At these big clubs, there are massive expectations but there has to be a reality check... You feel for guys who lose their jobs and I'm sure Erik gave everything.
"There are better people to judge that (improvement). He had a very good first season and had more than a few injury problems."
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