Reactions from football fans have quickly followed the recent sack of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. The news broke on Monday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the football community, as supporters and analysts alike reacted to the development with mixed feelings.
The decision to part ways with Ten Hag came after a series of poor performances by the team. The latest defeat that ultimately sealed his fate occurred on Sunday, when the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 away loss to West Ham United, leading to the club's official announcement regarding the managerial change.[/p>
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future,” the club stated in their announcement, highlighting Ten Hag's contributions to the team despite the recent struggles.[/p>
Following the announcement, it was confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy would take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching staff, while the club begins the search for a permanent replacement. This news has prompted a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing their delight at the managerial change and the implications it might have for the team's future.[/p>
Many fans took to social media to express their opinions, with numerous comments suggesting that the departure of Ten Hag would be a positive change for the team. One fan wrote on X, “Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho won. Goodbye Erik ten Hag. You’ll never be missed.” This comment alludes to the fallouts both players had with the manager during their time at the club.[/p>
Another fan stated, “Ten Hag’s biggest crime was convincing Manchester United fans that Ronaldo is finished and Sancho doesn’t perform well in training.” This highlights the contentious relationship Ten Hag had with two of the club's star players, which has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike. One more fan added, “He was so arrogant,” underscoring the sentiment that many believed Ten Hag had not effectively managed his star players.[/p>
It's worth recalling that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho left Old Trafford following significant disagreements with the Dutch manager. Ronaldo, in an explosive interview in November 2022, publicly stated he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and criticized Manchester United, claiming he felt “betrayed” due to internal issues at the club. His comments highlighted the growing rift between him and the management, leading to his eventual departure.[/p>
On the other hand, Jadon Sancho made headlines in September 2023 when he posted on social media, stating he had been “a scapegoat for a long time.” This comment came after Ten Hag revealed he had been dropped from the squad for a match against Arsenal due to poor training performance. Sancho's absence from the squad during the 3-1 loss to Arsenal raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about his future at the club.[/p>
Sancho's since-deleted post led to disciplinary action from the club, as he initially refused to apologize for his comments. He would later be loaned to Borussia Dortmund and then to Chelsea, where he is currently seen as a starting player under manager Enzo Maresca. Chelsea is obligated to retain the England international, provided they finish above 14th in the league standings, which adds further intrigue to his career progression post-United.[/p>
Meanwhile, the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim coach has created a wave of speculation about the direction Manchester United will take as they search for a permanent manager. Fans and pundits are eagerly anticipating how the team will respond under new leadership in the coming matches.