Man Utd boss was sent warning moments before decision on his future - 'Had his time'
Manchester United reached a decision over their manager's future after a brutal comment was made externally.
Erik ten Hag was warned that his time at Manchester United was up just hours before his sacking. Ten Hag was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham in the Premier League.
His two-year spell ended after the London Stadium result marked United's fourth loss in nine league fixtures. The Dutchman's future had remained uncertain throughout much of 2024 due to poor performances before the club's Ineos leadership opted to extend his contract by two years at the end of the 2024/25 season, following Ten Hag's FA Cup success. Yet, minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to terminate Ten Hag's deal after a string of dire results, believing the situation was untenable.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Pundit Jamie O'Hara had already called upon the United hierarchy to sack the manager, claiming he'd been afforded enough time. The former Tottenham midfielder said on Sky Sports following the West Ham loss: "I'd get rid of him; I would have gotten rid of him three months ago. I wouldn't have given him a contract after the FA Cup, I'd have said, 'Thanks very much, you've finished with a trophy, go out on a high.'"
The pundit's words proved accurate. Within a day, United parted company with Ten Hag, as their official statement confirmed. It stated: "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."
Ruben Amorim arrived as his long-term successor after two weeks with Van Nistelrooy at the helm. Ten Hag didn't return to management until May 2025, when Bayer Leverkusen appointed him, taking over from the highly successful Xabi Alonso. His stint in Germany fell apart quickly, resulting in his dismissal after just two Bundesliga matches on September 1, 2025. He is set to assume the role of technical director at Eredivisie outfit Twente for the 2026/27 campaign.
Meanwhile, United struggled under Amorim, finishing in the lower half of the table and suffering Europa League final heartbreak during his first season. The Portuguese head coach’s time at Old Trafford saw him refuse to deviate from his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation and fall out with the club hierarchy, which saw him dismissed this January.
Since then, Michael Carrick has taken over as interim manager for the remainder of the campaign. The ex-United midfielder made an impressive start, securing six victories and one draw from his opening seven fixtures.
However, his unbeaten streak ended on Wednesday evening as United lost 2-1 to Newcastle. With ongoing speculation surrounding whether Carrick's impressive spell will earn him a permanent deal at the end of the season, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will bounce back from their recent disappointment.
Fellow United icon and pundit Paul Scholes has already aimed a sarcastic jibe at Carrick, perhaps reflecting the media scrutiny the manager might face - similar to Ten Hag - should further defeats follow. Scholes posted on his Instagram story: "Michael has definitely got something special about him... cos Utd have been c*** last four games... night."
