Man U fires Ten Hag after woeful start to the season

Manchester United finally ran out of patience and fired manager Erik ten Hag yesterday after a troubled start to the season which has left the 20-time English champions languishing in the Premier League amid a period of major upheaval at the club.

The Dutch coach won two domestic cups in his 2 1/2 years in charge but has paid the price for leading United to its worst start to a season, with the team having lost four of its opening nine league games and in 14th place.

Heavy home losses to fierce rival Liverpool and Tottenham left Ten Hag under severe pressure and seemingly changed the mood among United fans who have been prepared to give him more time. A 2-1 loss at West Ham on Sunday proved to be his last game in charge.

United has won just one of its last eight games in all competitions.

“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” United said, adding that Ruud van Nistelrooy would be taking over as interim head coach while a permanent head coach is recruited.

Among those linked with taking over at United are former England coach Gareth Southgate, former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez and FC Porto’s former coach Sérgio Conceição. MDT/AP