Manchester United sacks Erik ten Hag; Xavi to become new manager?

MANCHESTER: Erik ten Hag has been sacked as the manager of Manchester United following the club's disappointing performance in the English Premier League. United assistant coach and ex-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim manager while they search for a new manager, the Old Trafford club said in a statement, following a unanimous decision to end Ten Hag's reign after 2-1/2 years.

Appointed in April 2022, Ten Hag led United to two domestic trophies - the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. But the 54-year-old's job was the subject of speculation most of last season as United suffered a worst-ever eighth-place Premier League finish and exited the Champions League at the group stage and the Dutchman was again in the hot seat.

United's terrible start to this season has come despite more than 600 million pounds ($779.28 million) being spent on new players since Ten Hag took charge ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. United have won four of their 14 games in all competitions so far this term and endured damaging 3-0 losses against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

They have achieved 11 points from nine matches in the Premier League, which the club said was far off target to achieve their goal of a fourth-place finish.

"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager," United said in a statement.

"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."

Meanwhile, rumours suggest that legendary Spanish footballer Xavi is set to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United's new manager. Xavi, a former Barcelona player, has previous managerial experience with a Catalonian club. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his potential move to United.