Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag in what the club said on Monday 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.
They have accumulated just 11 points from nine matches in the English Premier League and have three draws from three Europa League matches, all from winning positions.
"Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager," United 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."
With British billionaire and INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe taking over football operations last season, the club initially stuck with Ten Hag to ensure continuity in the manager's position during a time of change.
But Sunday's 2-1 league loss at lowly West Ham United in which Ten Hag's side failed to capitalise on numerous chances only increased the media speculation that he would be sacked.
United finished last season with a surprise FA Cup final win over Manchester City and Ten Hag pointed to the team's numerous injuries to help explain their poor form.
He signed a new contract to extend his stay until 2026 and was given another chance to restore the 20-times English league champions to former glories.
United's woeful start to this season has come despite more than A$1bn being spent on new players since Ten Hag took charge ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
There was little surprise at Ten Hag's departure after such heavy investment produced such modest returns, the League Cup and FA Cup successes apart.
Sunday's loss was Ten Hag's 35th defeat from 128 games in all competitions. United won 70 of them and drew 23, leaving the Dutchman with a win ratio of 54.7%.
"I don't think anybody will be truly shocked after what happened yesterday (Sunday)," former United defender Gary Neville said of the latest loss.
"The fact they are in 14th is just unacceptable. You can't be 14th after nine games with the level of spending that has occurred, without being under significant pressure."
However, United skipper Bruno Fernandes posted his thanks to Ten Hag.
"Thanks for everything boss! I appreciate the trust and the moments we shared together, I wish you all the best in the future.
"Even knowing the last period hasn't been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!"
United's next game is at home to Leicester in the League Cup on Wednesday.
With agencies
