In a significant move for Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has been relieved of his duties as manager, just two and a half years after taking charge at Old Trafford. The decision, announced on Monday morning, follows a disappointing defeat to West Ham United on Sunday, which left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League—seven points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots.
Ten Hag’s tenure at United has been a rollercoaster ride. He began his managerial stint promisingly, leading the team to a third-place finish in his first season and securing a Carabao Cup victory, ending a six-year trophy drought for the club. However, the excitement generated during that campaign has since faded, as United struggled to build on that initial success. Last season, the club faced challenges both domestically and in Europe, culminating in a disappointing group-stage exit from the Champions League. Although they qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, the current season’s start has not been encouraging.
After only three league wins from nine matches and four victories in 14 games across all competitions, key decision-makers at the club, including chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox, concluded that a managerial change was necessary. The Athletic reported that discussions about Ten Hag’s performance were already underway during the international break, signaling a growing unease among the hierarchy about the direction of the team.
Ten Hag’s contract was extended earlier this summer after a thorough end-of-season review, despite the team finishing in eighth place—their lowest league position since 1990. However, after a significant investment of approximately £205 million ($274 million) in new players, including Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, the lack of improvement on the pitch prompted the club to reconsider their stance.
In the aftermath of Ten Hag’s dismissal, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as interim manager. Van Nistelrooy, who joined the coaching staff in the offseason, will lead the team as the club assesses its options for a permanent replacement. Manchester United’s next fixture is a League Cup match against Leicester City at Old Trafford, providing an immediate challenge for the interim setup.
The decision to part ways with Ten Hag has raised eyebrows, especially given the club’s initial support for him after a summer of investment. Manchester United’s hierarchy had previously expressed confidence in the manager’s abilities, but with performances and results continuing to stagnate, many felt that the inevitable conclusion was to dismiss him. The decision marks a reversal from the INEOS-led ownership, who had previously backed Ten Hag’s extension just weeks after the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
As Manchester United looks to navigate this transitional phase, attention will turn to potential successors. The club has reportedly sounded out various candidates, including former Chelsea and PSG manager Thomas Tuchel, former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, and others like Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank. The goal will be to find a manager who can reignite the team’s ambitions and bring back the winning culture that has been missing in recent seasons.
Critics of Ten Hag’s tenure argue that while he cited the two trophies as signs of progress, the broader context of poor league performances and inconsistent play ultimately led to his downfall. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the club as they attempt to salvage their season, focusing on finding the right leader to steer Manchester United back towards success.
In summary, Erik Ten Hag’s sacking encapsulates the ongoing struggles at Manchester United, a club striving to reclaim its former glory. The next managerial appointment will be pivotal in determining whether the Red Devils can rise from their current challenges and restore their place among football’s elite.
In other news – Freeman launches 13th Album “Me vs Me” in a spectacular show
On Saturday, the vibrant atmosphere at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare was electrified as dancehall musician Freeman HKD, born Emegy Sylvester Chizanga, launched his highly anticipated 13th album titled *Me vs Me*. Despite the heavy rains that swept through parts of Harare earlier that day, a determined crowd of thousands, including notable personalities like football star Khama Billiat, filled the venue to celebrate the event. The resilience of the HKD family was on full display, showcasing their unwavering support for their favorite artist.
The album *Me vs Me*, which features an impressive collection of 16 tracks, was officially released just two days before the launch. The compilation showcases a diverse range of musical styles, blending Afro-fusion, Afro-pop, and classic Freeman sounds, reflecting the artist’s evolution over his career. Read More
