After a difficult start to the season that left the 20-time English champions sagging in the Premier League during a time of significant transition at the club, Manchester United finally lost patience and fired manager Erik ten Hag on Monday.
During his two and a half years in command, the Dutch coach won two domestic cups, but he has paid the price for leading United to their worst start to the season. The squad is currently in 14th place after losing four of its first nine league games.
Ten Hag was under a lot of pressure after suffering crushing home defeats to bitter rivals Liverpool and Tottenham. This seemed to alter the attitude of United supporters, who had been willing to give him more time. His final game as manager ended in a 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.
In their last eight games across all competitions, United has only managed one victory.
“Manchester United men’s first-team manager Erik ten Hag has resigned,” United announced, adding that Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former striker for the team and one of Ten Hag’s assistants, would serve as temporary head coach until a permanent head coach could be found.
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, and former England coach Gareth Southgate are all rumored to be taking over at United.
