Manchester United have parted ways with Erik ten Hag following a disappointing beginning to the current season, ending the Dutch manager’s tenure after two and a half years. The decision came on Monday, as the club’s performance left them sitting at an unexpected 14th place in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag, who took over at Old Trafford in April 2022, had been expected to usher in a new era of success for United. While he achieved some significant milestones, including two domestic trophies, the club’s recent struggles ultimately led to his departure.
Under Ten Hag’s leadership, Manchester United showed moments of resurgence. The manager managed to end United’s six-year trophy drought by clinching the Carabao Cup in 2023 and adding the prestigious FA Cup to his achievements in 2024. These victories had rekindled hope among United’s passionate fanbase, who believed Ten Hag could restore the team’s former glory. His disciplined approach, tactical vision, and determination to improve the squad brought some optimism to Old Trafford, as the club sought to re-establish itself as a dominant force in English and European football.
At the start of this summer, United’s new co-owners, INEOS, demonstrated their confidence in Ten Hag by backing him in the transfer market and granting him a contract extension through to June 2026. With a clear show of support, the owners aimed to provide the manager with the stability and resources needed to compete at the highest level. This move was seen as a strong vote of confidence in Ten Hag’s vision for the club, as he was given additional time to refine his approach and shape the squad according to his philosophy.
Despite the initial optimism and Ten Hag’s trophy success, the team’s performance on the pitch this season has been a source of frustration. A series of disappointing results left the team struggling in the lower half of the Premier League table, a far cry from the expectations set for a club of United’s stature. Although Ten Hag’s methods had shown some promise, they seemed to lack the consistency needed to elevate United to a sustained level of competitiveness. The team’s patchy form, combined with mounting pressure from fans and media, made Ten Hag’s position increasingly vulnerable.
The decision to relieve Ten Hag of his duties is seen by many as a necessary step to halt United’s downward trajectory. However, this move raises questions about the club’s direction and the challenges it has faced in securing long-term managerial stability. Manchester United have undergone a series of managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, with several high-profile appointments failing to replicate the sustained success the club enjoyed under Ferguson. Ten Hag’s departure adds to this trend, highlighting the difficulties United have encountered in identifying a manager capable of restoring the club’s glory on a lasting basis.
As Manchester United look to the future, they are expected to begin the search for a new manager who can address the team’s issues and implement a strategy for sustained improvement. The next appointment will be crucial, not only to stabilize United’s performance this season but also to build a foundation for long-term success.
