Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag, the Premier League club said on Monday, with the Old Trafford side 14th in the standings after nine games.

"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager," the club 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."

The 54-year-old Dutchman's job was the subject of speculation for most of last season as United recorded their worst Premier League finish in eighth, and with British billionaire and INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe taking charge of football operations.

A surprise FA Cup final win over Manchester City, however, plus the fact Ten Hag was able to blame numerous injuries for their poor form earned Ten Hag another chance.

He signed a new contract to extend his stay until 2026 and get another chance to restore the 20-times English league champions to former glories.

Early results this season, however, suggested Ten Hag was not going to achieve that.

But according to multiple British media reports, United will turn to Amorim, the 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon manager who is considered one of Europe's leading young coaches.

Sky Sports reported United were prepared to pay Amorim's release clause.

Amorim was linked with the manager's role at Liverpool following the departure of Jurgen Klopp this year, but Dutch coach Arne Slot headed to Anfield instead.

The position of Ten Hag, 54, had been repeatedly called into question after United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe kept him on board following an internal review at the end of last season when the club finished eighth in the Premier League but won the FA Cup with a shock victory over Manchester City.

Ten Hag was even rewarded with a one-year extension of his contract to June 2026.

But United have shown little improvement this season and the 2-1 loss at West Ham was the final straw.

"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager," a statement by United read.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future," it added. (Reuters/AFP)

Last updated: 2024-10-29 HKT 8:23