“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United first team coach. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time and wish him good luck for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will ensure the interim with the current staff until the recruitment of a new coach,” wrote the Red Devils in a press release.
Ten Hag, 54, joined Manchester United in July 2022 from Ajax Amsterdam, whom he notably led to the semi-final of the Champions League in 2019. The Dutch coach won a League Cup English in 2023 and an English Cup in 2024.
The technician paid the price for the Mancunians’ 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday in the league. The Red Devils occupy 14th place with 11 points from nine matches. On the European scene, Manchester United is only in 21st place in the Europa League with 3 points in 3 matches.
The Dutchman was already under pressure since last season at Old Trafford with only an 8th place in the league and elimination in the group stage of the Champions League. He had won European qualification thanks to victory in the FA Cup final against neighbor Manchester City.
Van Nistelrooy, who will temporarily take over the position, already has experience as a coach. The former Red Devils player (219 matches, 150 goals) led PSV during the 2022-2023 season with a 2nd place in the Eredivisie. He joined the Ten Hag staff last summer.