The statement then said, “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.”

United currently stand 14th on the Premier League table and have only won four of their fourteen matches. United have been plagued with varying VAR-related issues, something that Ten Hag found himself at the end of in his last game as manager. “That’s the third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right,” said the Dutchman about the match against West Ham.

Ten Hag’s sacking was becoming inevitable after the former Ajax manager was unable to bring about any discernible results to the club despite spending over £200million, a level of financial control that was never afforded to even the greatest manager of the club. His departure means Manchester United have had five managers come and go since Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement. This period has also included caretaker managers ranging from Ryan Giggs, to Michael Carrick to Ralf Rangnick and will now see Nistelrooy at the reins.