After months of speculation, time ran out for Dutchman Erik ten Hag with Manchester United sitting 14th in the English Premier League table after they suffered a fourth defeat in nine league games at West Ham on Sunday.
Part-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group stuck it out with Ten Hag despite strong rumours of him being shown the door in the summer. Instead, he was given a pay rise and contract extension – until June 2026 – for ending the season with the FA Cup title, beating city rivals Man City to boot.
As United leadership showed faith in Ten Hag, other potential replacements in Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel took up jobs elsewhere. Tuchel has since been named the new England coach, while Pochettino is now leading the USA.
For now, Manchester United have appointed former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who returned to the club as Ten Hag’s assistant in July, as the interim manager. Ruben Amorim has emerged as a strong early favourite to come in as the permanent choice.
How much did sacking Ten Hag cost United?
The club spent £564 million over the years to support Ten Hag’s plans and ambitions at the club including £200 million in the summer.
As per The BBC in the UK, Erik ten Hag is likely to receive around £15 million in compensation for his early dismissal.
Former Ajax boss Ten Hag, who joined United in May 2022, had defended his record in recent weeks. But the loss against West Ham proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
