Manchester United’s decision to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag has ignited a wave of criticism, particularly from Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, who didn’t hold back in his remarks about the club’s handling of the situation. He pointed a direct finger at United’s owners, including INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing them of poor judgment and a lack of decisiveness in managing Ten Hag’s exit.
The Dutchman’s departure is striking, as it comes only 116 days after he was handed a fresh contract in the wake of United’s FA Cup final triumph over rivals Manchester City. This extension initially appeared to signal confidence in Ten Hag’s leadership and future with the club. However, today’s sudden dismissal tells a different story. Many fans and pundits believe that if United’s leadership had truly assessed the situation, they might have made the call to let Ten Hag go during the off-season. This would have allowed him to leave on a high note, departing with a significant accomplishment to his name and paving the way for a new manager to utilize the summer’s full pre-season period to begin building a refreshed squad and strategy.
Luckhurst was notably blunt in his criticism, labeling the handling of Ten Hag’s dismissal as a “mess” that speaks to the lack of strong decision-making at the top. According to Luckhurst, this reflects poorly not only on Ratcliffe but on the entire ownership structure, which has been under intense scrutiny in recent years. The ownership’s hesitancy and indecisiveness, he argues, have led to a pattern of instability within the club, affecting everything from managerial appointments to the players’ morale.
With Ten Hag’s departure now sealed, United has brought in former club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as a temporary solution. Van Nistelrooy, who had worked closely with Ten Hag as his assistant earlier in the season, will now take on the task of leading the team while the search for a permanent replacement gets underway. His appointment has been well-received by fans who remember his stellar playing days at Old Trafford, but he will undoubtedly face immense pressure to deliver results in a turbulent period for the club.
As for Ten Hag’s long-term successor, United has been linked to an array of high-profile names, including Barcelona’s Xavi, Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, and former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann. Each candidate brings a unique set of skills and a distinct approach to management. However, given the club’s recent history of struggling under high-profile managers, there is widespread skepticism among fans and analysts alike. Sacking Ten Hag may not address the underlying issues that have plagued United for years, and many fear that without significant changes at the executive level, the cycle of hiring and firing may continue.
Ultimately, Luckhurst’s comments underscore a growing sentiment among United’s supporters: that the club’s issues extend far beyond the touchline. While bringing in a new manager might offer a temporary lift, it is the structural and leadership problems that demand attention if United is to reclaim its status as a dominant force in English and European football. For now, though, the club is left to navigate yet another period of uncertainty, with Van Nistelrooy holding the reins and the club’s hierarchy facing mounting pressure to get the next appointment right.