Erik ten Hag's sacking as Manchester United manager has triggered a series of revelations about his turbulent reign. The Dutchman was dismissed on Monday after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham, and on Friday Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim was confirmed as his replacement. Ten Hag leaves with two trophies but a legacy marred by frustration and unfulfilled potential.
According to reports, Ten Hag felt let down by key players Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, and Antony. Rashford's goal tally plummeted from 30 in 2022/23 to just eight last season, while Casemiro faced heavy criticism. Antony, signed for £82 million at Ten Hag's urging, has failed to justify the fee. The manager also voiced annoyance at the club's failure to land top targets including Harry Kane, Alexis Mac Allister, Fede Valverde, and Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag's compensation is estimated at £17.5 million, taking United's total severance bill for managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired to over £70 million. The club spent more than £500 million during Ten Hag's tenure, with few signings proving value for money.
Ten Hag's handling of Cristiano Ronaldo also drew criticism. After Ronaldo refused to come off the bench against Tottenham, Ten Hag banned him from the first-team dressing room, forcing the forward to ask an academy player to retrieve his belongings. Many in the squad felt the treatment went too far.
Amorim becomes United's seventh permanent manager in just over a decade, tasked with restoring stability to a club that has struggled since Ferguson's departure in 2013.
