Why Ruud van Nistelrooy will take temporary charge of Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager
Manchester United have announced that Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the first team until a permanent replacement for Erik ten Hag is appointed.
Ten Hag was dismissed following a disappointing start to the season.
Sunday’s defeat to West Ham left United in 14th place in the Premier League, and the club’s Europa League campaign has started sluggishly, with three consecutive 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 he faced increasing pressure after finishing eighth in the Premier League last term.
Despite receiving a stay of execution from part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and agreeing to a new contract over the summer, his tenure has now come to an end.
This season, United have earned just 11 points from their first nine league games, with a record of three wins, two draws, and four losses.
A lack of goals has been a significant concern, as the eight scored under Ten Hag represent the third-lowest tally in the Premier League.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who spent five years at United during his playing career, joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff in the close season.
The former Netherlands striker previously managed PSV Eindhoven for a season, leading them to cup glory in 2023.
Ten Hag’s final match was marred by controversy; West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen scored a late winner from the penalty spot after Matthijs de Ligt was deemed to have fouled Danny Ings, with the penalty awarded following a VAR review.
“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.”
On the penalty decision, he said: “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.
“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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