After a difficult tenure filled with ups and downs, Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United came to a close as he parted ways with the club on Monday. His dismissal followed a 2-1 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium, which left United lingering in an underwhelming 14th place in the Premier League. With that defeat, Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year journey as United’s manager came to an end, marking yet another turbulent chapter in the club’s recent history.
As Ten Hag prepared to leave Manchester, he shared an emotional moment at the airport, embracing an employee in what seemed to be a final gesture of appreciation and gratitude. The scene captured the Dutch manager’s bittersweet farewell as he was set to return home to the Netherlands, bidding adieu to the city and team he had been so invested in since joining United in April 2022. The club swiftly released a statement confirming the change, noting, “Erik ten Hag has resigned as manager of United’s men’s first squad. Erik took over in April 2022 and guided the team to two domestic titles, the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We thank Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well in the future.”
Despite his achievements, including those two domestic titles, the club’s recent struggles and lackluster performances made Ten Hag’s departure seem inevitable. After the announcement, Ten Hag was seen leaving United’s Carrington training ground before being quickly transported to Manchester Airport. In a poignant moment, he shared tearful farewells with airport staff as he prepared to board his flight, perhaps reflecting on what could have been and the challenges he had faced during his tenure.
Former United player Gary Neville was quick to weigh in on Ten Hag’s exit, voicing his understanding of the club’s decision. Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville recalled that United’s crushing 3-0 home loss to Tottenham earlier in the season had been a turning point. “That game against Tottenham a few weeks back was the type of game where I believed I would seen it before and knew how it would go,” Neville said. He went on to explain that the defeat highlighted United’s underlying issues, which had persisted throughout the season. “It was a really awful day for United and Erik ten Hag, and I believe it surprised everyone. I believe that was the game in which everyone expected the season to pick up and they to rebound from a tough start, but it has only gotten worse,” Neville continued, emphasizing how the lack of improvement only strengthened the club’s resolve to make a change at the helm.
With Ten Hag’s departure, Manchester United faces a moment of transformation, appointing former club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as the interim manager. Van Nistelrooy’s arrival may serve to steady the team with a familiar face at the helm, potentially bringing a sense of stability as United seeks to climb the Premier League table. His presence could also inspire players to step up as they aim to salvage their season, knowing that they are under the watchful eye of one of the club’s most beloved figures.
The decision to part ways with Ten Hag, while difficult, signals the owners’ acknowledgment that changes were necessary if United is to regain its competitive edge. It’s now up to Van Nistelrooy to bring cohesion back to a struggling squad and navigate the team through this period of transition. Looking ahead, the club will undoubtedly be eyeing potential candidates for a permanent managerial position, hoping to bring in someone who can rebuild United’s identity and restore it to its former glory.
Ten Hag’s departure may have ended a turbulent chapter, but it opens a new one filled with possibilities and uncertainties. The club’s fans, players, and staff will all be watching closely to see how this new phase unfolds, and whether United can reclaim its status among the Premier League’s elite. For now, Ten Hag’s journey with the Red Devils has come to an end, but the story of Manchester United’s quest for success
continues.