The inevitable has happened: Erik ten Hag has officially been sacked as Manchester United managerafter 128 gamesat the helm.
After a run of poor results and their worst start to a league campaign ever – a record he’d already broken the previous season – the Dutch head coach has been relieved of his duties after just two and a half years in charge.
The decision comes after the Red Devils’ 2-1 loss against West Ham on Sunday evening, in which a controversial penalty awarded after VAR saw them narrowly miss out on a point – a moment that meant just one win in eight games and now looks to have been the bell toll for ten Hag.
While the official position from the club states that the 54-year-old has vacated the role, for all intents and purposes, this is clearly a sacking.
Confirming the news on the club website, Man United wrote: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.
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“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.
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“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”
He leaves the club with them sitting 14th in the Premier League after picking up just 40 points from 27 league games in 2024 thus far, not to mention having won just one of his last 11 European matches and having spent £475 million on player signings. All told he won 72, drew 20 and lost 36.
On the other hand, he won two trophies in two years after lifting both the EFL and FA Cup, which proved to be a crucial lifeline until now. Nevertheless, they’ve just never been quite the same since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and suffered some severe losses to the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Spurs and more.
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31.8% – Only David Moyes (32.4%, 11/34) lost a higher percentage of his Premier League games as Manchester United manager than Erik ten Hag (31.8%, 27/85). Departure. pic.twitter.com/cFavWHNNhZ
Other candidates that were reportedly interviewed in the summer before ten Hag was eventually given an albeit ill-advised new contract included Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. Gareth Southgate has also been linked with the job in the past.
With club legend and fellow Dutchman international van Nistelrooy set to take over in the interim, Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group will now start their search for a replacement once again.
So, where do United stand now and who would you try and go for as ten Hag’s successor, Reds? You can watch his final words in charge down below.
Featured Images — Manchester United/Sky Sports(via Screenshot)
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Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question
Danny Jones
Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.
Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.
Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:
The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.
Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”
First off, Reds – do you agree?
It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes on Ruben Amorim's tactics against 10-man Everton which frustrated him 😬 pic.twitter.com/AgsESuH83h
Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.
Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.
With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.
You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.
How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?
BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team
Emily Sergeant
First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.
The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.
Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.
The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.
Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC
The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.
Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.
Danny Jones -
28th October 2024 
