Just In: Erik Ten Hag sacked! 

Manchester United’s dismal start and performances have cost Erik ten Hag his job only 116 days after his contract was extended. The Dutch gaffer’s contract was extended in May after winning the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium.

It felt as though they just could not take it anymore. United sources say the club took their time to carefully analyze the team’s performance. And they have decided to end Ten Hag’s tenure after less than two-and-a-half years.

Ten Hag stayed as United manager in the summer. Despite the club finishing eighth in the Premier League last term and bottom of their Champions League group, he was still allowed to improve with funds to purchase more players. According to the club’s records, Ten Hag is the manager to have spent 564 million pounds on transfers.

Meanwhile, his heavy spending can account for an FA and EFL trophy in his first two seasons with the club.

Though they won the FA Cup in the final game of the campaign, the one which earned Ten Hag a reprieve.

Club’s statements

The statement reads: “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,”

Chief executive Omar Berrada offering Ten Hag “full backing” last month. But it seems United have lost faith in the Dutchman. The club wanted to give Ten Hag the opportunity to work under a new structure. However, they felt the performances nor the results had been good enough this calendar year.

United are currently 14th in the Premier League table with a -3 goal difference, having lost four of their opening nine league fixtures.

Their league record and failure to win any of their three Europa League games from winning positions have additionally been cited as one of the major reasons behind the decision to dismiss Ten Hag.

The club highlighted United’s average of 1.2 points per game in the Premier League as cause for concern. Bizarrely, they also also mentioned last season’s eighth place finish, and -1 goal difference in the league as an additional reason to change manager.