Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag in what the football club said was a unanimous decision, with the Old Trafford side 14th in the English Premier League after nine games and showing no sign they are on a path back to former glory.

United’s assistant manager and ex-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on an interim basis while they search for a new manager, the club said.

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.

The Dutchman found himself firmly in the hot seat again this season in a woeful start to the campaign. United have won four of their 14 games in all competitions and endured damaging 3-0 losses against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.