The 'fight has been called off' for staggering Ten Hag

Man United sack manager with the club 14th in league

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United after the club’s worst start to a Premier League season and just four months on from being handed a contract extension at Old Trafford.

United have won just three of their opening nine league games of the campaign, including Sunday’s late 2-1 defeat at West Ham, with Ten Hag failing to impress United’s new ownership. The decision was confirmed on Monday and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was Ten Hag’s assistant, will take interim charge with immediate effect.

A club statement said: “We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. 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.”

Reports suggest the club are in talks to try and appoint Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s replacement.

Legendary United defender Rio Ferdinand likened Ten Hag’s sacking to a “boxer getting hit and knocked down ... The fight’s been called off in the last round”.

The Dutchman was under significant pressure last season when United slumped to a record-low 8th position in the Premier League, but ended the campaign by beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup at Wembley.

Although United still spoke to potential replacements in the summer, Ten Hag received a one-year contract extension, as well as backing in the transfer window. But results and performances did not improve and defeat at West Ham leaves United 14th in the table, adding to the dismal home defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur this term.