Manchester United is just taking a p*ss by sacking Ten Hag just after they just renewed his contract. They are just as indecisive as their former manager” – Manchester United’s owners have been criticized for creating a chaotic situation, with some accusing them of “losing their nerve” regarding Erik ten Hag’s future at the club. This indecisiveness over the manager’s position has contributed to the current turmoil, leaving fans and pundits questioning the leadership’s direction and resolve in addressing the club’s struggles.

Manchester United owners, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, faced harsh criticism from Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News for their handling of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

The Dutch manager, who was sacked today, had been given a new contract just 116 days earlier following United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Many felt Ten Hag should have departed then, allowing him to exit on a high note while giving a new coach the opportunity to rebuild during a full pre-season.

Luckhurst described the situation as a “mess” and accused Ratcliffe and the club’s owners of lacking decisiveness.

With Ten Hag’s departure now finalized, United temporarily appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had served as Ten Hag’s assistant earlier this season.

As the search for a permanent replacement begins, names such as Xavi, Ruben Amorim, and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as potential candidates.

However, the club’s past struggles with high-profile managers and players suggest that sacking Ten Hag may not necessarily resolve their ongoing issues.
The decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag has certainly cast a spotlight on the leadership at Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS facing scrutiny for the timing and manner of the sacking. Samuel Luckhurst’s critique reflects a sentiment among fans and analysts that the club may have missed a more graceful and strategically sound exit for ten Hag after the FA Cup victory—a natural high point that could have facilitated a smoother transition to new management.

By giving ten Hag a contract extension after the FA Cup win, the board seemed to signal their commitment to his long-term vision. However, with results failing to improve, the sudden dismissal feels reactionary rather than a part of a well-defined plan. Appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy as the interim manager adds a layer of nostalgia but comes with its own risks, as he steps into a struggling team without the benefit of a pre-season to establish his style.

The emergence of names like Xavi, Ruben Amorim, and Julian Nagelsmann signals the club’s ambition to attract a high-caliber replacement. Yet, Manchester United’s history with high-profile managers underlines that successful rebuilding requires more than just marquee appointments—it demands alignment in vision, strong support, and patience to navigate the inevitable challenges.

For Ratcliffe and INEOS, this transition presents a critical opportunity to show that they can implement a strategic overhaul, bringing much-needed stability to a club searching for an identity. As fans await the next permanent appointment, there’s a sense of cautious optimism, but also lingering concern that deeper structural issues may persist without a comprehensive approach to reform.