Erik ten Hag has been dismissed by Manchester United after two years, with Ruud van Nistelrooy stepping in as the interim manager.

In a dramatic turn of events at Old Trafford, Manchester United have officially parted ways with Erik ten Hag after two and a half tumultuous years at the helm. The decision comes on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which has left the Red Devils languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.

A club statement confirmed the news, stating: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. 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.”

In the wake of Ten Hag’s departure, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as interim head coach, supported by the existing coaching staff, while the club embarks on the search for a permanent successor.

Ten Hag’s exit follows a series of disappointing results, with the club keen to provide him with time to adapt to a new sporting structure. However, the recent performances have fallen short of expectations, particularly given the resources made available to him. This season has seen United suffer heavy defeats at home, including a 3-0 loss to both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The latter defeat was particularly contentious, with Ten Hag insisting that Bruno Fernandes’ early red card, which was later overturned, had a significant impact on the match.

Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag had previously rallied the supporters, expressing confidence in the team’s potential. After a dramatic 3-3 draw with FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League, he told TNT Sports, “we will get there.” However, the club’s struggles have been compounded by an extensive injury list, with key players like Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw all spending time on the sidelines.

United’s woes extend to the Europa League, where they remain winless, most recently drawing 1-1 with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. As it stands, only goal difference keeps the club above the bottom 12 teams in the league phase.

Ten Hag’s sacking marks the latest chapter in a long line of managerial changes at Old Trafford, following in the footsteps of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The club continues its quest for a first Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

In July, Ten Hag had signed a one-year contract extension, committing to the club until 2026 after leading United to FA Cup glory with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. However, that triumph proved to be a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign, which saw United finish eighth— their lowest position in Premier League history. The previous season had offered a glimmer of hope, with a third-place finish and a long-awaited trophy in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, but ultimately, the promise of success has not materialised as anticipated.