… appoint Van Nistelrooy as Interim Manager
Manchester United has officially announced the departure of Erik ten Hag as the club’s men’s first-team manager.
Appointed in April 2022, Ten Hag’s tenure brought a mix of highs and lows, including two major domestic trophies but also significant struggles in recent months that ultimately led to his exit. The club thanked him for his contributions and wished him the best for the future.
During his time at the helm, Ten Hag led United to notable victories, securing the Carabao Cup in 2023 and following it up with an FA Cup triumph in 2024. These accomplishments marked the club’s first domestic silverware in several years and initially raised hopes that United could return to the glory days of old.
However, Ten Hag’s time was also marred by inconsistency and poor form, especially in the latter stages of his tenure. This season, the team’s performances dipped sharply, with disappointing results in both domestic league fixtures and European competitions. The inconsistency in tactics and an inability to solve ongoing squad issues—coupled with reports of dressing-room unrest—eventually placed the manager under mounting pressure, leading to his departure.
In the wake of Ten Hag’s departure, the club has named former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim head coach. Van Nistelrooy, who enjoyed a prolific playing career with United between 2001 and 2006, will take charge of the first team alongside the current coaching staff. His appointment is seen as a move to steady the ship while the club conducts a thorough search for a permanent manager.
The former Netherlands international brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the club’s culture. He recently served as the head coach of PSV Eindhoven, where he gained valuable managerial experience. His task at United will be to galvanize the squad, improve team morale, and aim for positive results in the upcoming fixtures while stabilizing the team’s performance.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes took to social media to share his thoughts on Ten Hag’s departure, expressing appreciation for the manager’s contributions while acknowledging the difficult period the club has faced recently. “Thanks for everything, boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we shared together,” Fernandes wrote. “Even though the last period hasn’t been great for all of us, I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club.”
As the search for a new permanent head coach begins, the club will be looking to bring in a manager who can build on Ten Hag’s initial successes while addressing the issues that led to the team’s decline. Potential candidates are already being speculated in the media, with some big names rumored to be in contention. For now, Van Nistelrooy’s immediate priority will be to restore confidence and ensure the team regains its competitive edge.
The appointment comes at a crucial time, with upcoming fixtures likely to define the remainder of the season. With the interim manager in place, fans will be hoping for a resurgence and a strong finish to the season, as Manchester United aims to get back on track and compete at the highest level.
