Manchester United fired manager Erik ten Hag due to their poor start this season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will assume the role of interim head coach until a permanent replacement is secured.
Manchester United’s top officials have deemed the dismissal of Ten Hag, who had just been given a contract extension this summer, as “challenging and finely balanced.”
Nevertheless, the club’s board decision was unanimous less than 24 hours after their controversial 2-1 loss at West Ham on Sunday.
It was imperative for the club that the on-field results were unsatisfactory.
While Ten Hag had a different perspective, United’s management felt that the team was not heading in the right direction and saw no valid reasons for its standing. The team has secured just four victories in this season’s 14 games.
“No one watches United and doesn’t think the players are better than what they are showing,” said Gary Neville. “The lack of identity and style has been a mystery for the last two-and-a-half seasons.”
A shortlist of around five managers has been identified, and Van Nistelrooy is considered an interim solution until a permanent manager is determined.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future,” United said in a short statement.