Man Utd confirm who will manage side against Chelsea following Erik ten Hag sacking

Manchester United have confirmed the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the club's fixture against Chelsea at Old Trafford this weekend in major breaking Premier League news.

The Red Devils shared a statement on the club website shortly before midday on Monday confirming that Ten Hag had left his post. It read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.

"Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

"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 decision comes after Manchester United were defeated 2-1 by West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ten Hag had appeared to salvage a point from that game when a Casemiro goal cancelled out a Crysencio Summerville opener.

However, a controversial VAR decision saw a penalty awarded for a coming together between Matthias De Ligt and Danny Ings. Jarrod Bowen converted that spot kick with minutes left to play.

Manchester United sit 14th in the top flight after nine matches, having won just three of their opening Premier League fixtures this term. The Red Devils face Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before Enzo Maresca takes his side to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club will now begin the recruitment process for a new boss, but it seems unlikely that an appointment will be made before the next round of Premier League matches this weekend. That would point to interim head coach Van Nistelrooy leading the side against Chelsea.

The 48-year-old former United talisman was head coach at PSV Eindhoven between 2022 and 2023, but left his role early due to a supposed lack of support. He has also worked as assistant with the Netherlands back in 2014 and was named as Manchester United assistant manager in July.