Manchester United have finally decided to move on from Erik ten Hag after a shambolic start to the 2024/25 season
Ten Hag was sacked yesterday, and Ruud van Nistelrooy was nominated to take charge on an interim basis.
The former Ajax manager had a positive first season. He guided the club to their first trophy in six years by winning the Carabao Cup in 2023.
However, Ten Hag suffered from second-season syndrome. Injuries didn’t help his cause, as the Red Devils finished eighth in the Premier League last season.
The FA Cup triumph earlier this year forced INEOS to back the manager for another term. bHowever, the performances and results did not improve.
We look at the best five results of the Ten Hag era.
Man United 2-1 Manchester City – FA Cup final
It took a memorable victory in the second-ever all-Manchester FA Cup final for Ten Hag to convince the new owners that he was the right man for the job.
The Red Devils went into the game as underdogs, but goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho helped Ten Hag win two trophies in two years.
United not only lifted the trophy but also qualified for the Europa League because of this major victory.
The match showcased Ten Hag’s tactical acumen and highlighted how his trusted academy stars emerged to shine on the grand stage.
Man United 2-1 Barcelona – Europa League
The Red Devils advanced to the Europa League round of 16 after beating Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s side conceded an early goal, but Fred equalised right after the break.
A sumptuous finish from Antony in the 73rd minute sent the Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy.
The Brazil international came on at half-time for Wout Weghorst and added pace and urgency to the attack.
It was one of the high points at United under Ten Hag’s watch as they ended Barcelona’s 18-match unbeaten run.
Man United 2-0 Newcastle United – Carabao Cup final
United claimed their first trophy since 2017 with victory over the Magpies in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Casemiro broke the deadlock after heading home from Luke Shaw’s pin-point free-kick.
A Marcus Rashford shot deflected off Sven Botman to give a comfortable cover to the Red Devils.
It was a massive step up from the club, and it felt like the start of good things to come in the future.
Man United 4-3 Liverpool – FA Cup quarter-final
A last-gasp strike from Amad Diallo helped United to progress to the semi-finals.
Scott McTominay gave United an early lead but Liverpool fought back, with Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah scoring before half-time.
Antony saved the day for Ten Hag with an 87th-minute equaliser, forcing the contest into extra time.
Alejandro Garnacho and Diallo combined brilliantly in the 120th minute in a fantastic counter-attacking move to hit Liverpool with a knockout punch.
After a season marked by injuries and disappointing results, United fans felt drained.
However, this victory over their arch-rivals reinvigorated their spirits, ultimately contributing to their triumph over Man City in the final.
Man United 4-1 Chelsea – Premier League
United needed a win against Chelsea to secure Champions League football, and they did it with some style.
They thrashed the London outfit, courtesy of goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
Returning to the Champions League was the primary objective, and Ten Hag delivered.
The Dutchman was turning Old Trafford into a fortress after suffering a humiliating home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The season also brought the best out of Rashford as the academy star became the first player to score 30 goals in a season for United since Robin van Persie.