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Erik ten Hag was informed of his Manchester United sacking after being summoned to a meeting at Carrington on Monday morning, Mail Sport understands.
In a summit described as respectful and dignified, Ten Hag was told he had been dismissed by CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
United figures decided to axe the Dutchman after two-and-a-half years in charge following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, recruited in the summer as part of Ten Hag’s new-look backroom team, has been placed in interim charge in the short term.
Ten Hag is understood to have been in the dark over his fate until this morning. He remains in Manchester and his car has been spotted at his home today.
Erik ten Hag was informed of his Manchester United sacking in a meeting at Carrington
CEO Omar Berrada (middle) and Dan Ashworth (right) conducted the dignified summit
He recorded a final press conference after yesterday’s game at the London Stadium to preview United’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City on Wednesday.
The footage will not be broadcast publicly following his sacking, however.
As reported by Mail Sport, United have recently sounded out a number of potential candidates to replace Ten Hag. Former Barcelona boss Xavi has been spoken to while Thomas Frank, Ruben Amorim and Edin Terzic also admired.
A club statement issued at 11.50am this morning read: ‘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.
‘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.’
Ten Hag was dismissed less than a day after United slumped to a 2-1 defeat at West Ham
Ten Hag’s record at Manchester United across all competitions since his arrival in 2022
It is understood the decision by United’s leadership team was collective and unanimous. Sources say, though, that it was a ‘difficult and finely balanced’ one.
Initially, United’s hierarchy wanted continuity after the period of upheaval but did not see enough evidence of progress to convince them the team were on the right path.
The club believe Ten Hag was given all the tools to succeed and sources say there were no excuses for the stuttering start to the campaign.
Ten Hag defiantly rallied against the speculation over his future, dismissing it as outside noise and declaring the club were ‘all on one page’.
‘I told this before the break, several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports,’ Ten Hag said. ‘Internal in the club, it’s quiet.
‘Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are in and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner.
The patience of United’s senior figures snapped with United 14th in the Premier League table
Ten Hag won two trophies during his two-and-a-half year spell in charge at Old Trafford
Ruud van Nistelrooy is in interim charge while United work on a permanent appointment
‘But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.
‘(I’ve had) no assurances about my position. Noise is only coming from some of you (media), creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies.
‘We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success.’