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“Dismissed” | Useless Man United and Ten Hag Only Have Themselves to Blame

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Manchester United have parted ways with Erik ten Hag following their 2-1 loss to West Ham, a match dubbed ‘El-Sackio’ as both Ten Hag and Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui faced intense job pressure. With Lopetegui seemingly securing his position at the London Stadium for the time being, Ten Hag’s tenure ended after a disappointing run, leaving United with only one win in their last five league games.

Man United currently sit 14th in the Premier League, having scored only eight goals in nine matches. Concerned by recent performances, the club’s hierarchy informed Ten Hag of the decision this morning. Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the coaching staff this summer, will take temporary charge alongside other backroom staff. United will face Leicester next on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.

While the outgoing Red Devils coach will likely blame misfortune and VAR for yesterday’s defeat and subsequent sacking, the reality is that his team has struggled for a long time now.

Both managers went into the match at the London Stadium under pressure, but Lopetegui was always one win away from an extended grace period at West Ham, whereas Ten Hag entered this game facing a final ultimatum.

Ultimately, the former Ajax boss has actually performed worse than former gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjær and can have few complaints, especially given that he populated the Man U squad with many of his former players from Holland.

As for Lopetegui, the victory will likely grant him enough breathing space until at least the new year. If he can secure four points from the Hammers’ next two games, the Spaniard can start looking forward rather than down at the bottom of the Premier League.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

4 comments

  • rollercoaster hammer says:

    did nobody listen to Lopetegui’s post-match interview and/ or the press conference. he explained why he wanted to bring Summerville on in the 2nd half, among otherr things. some of your questions are answered there…..well….from what i could decipher anyway

  • Neil Down Under says:

    He has been one of Man United’s most successful managers in the post Ferguson era.
    Winning them their first piece of silverware in 6 seasons, and getting them to 2 FA Cup finals, winning 1.
    They have achieved several top half finishes and European football.
    I don’t understand this decision, he has achieved incredible success with a decidedly average, mid-table team.
    The fans and owners say they want better, but they really should be careful what they wish for…
    Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

  • John Ayris says:

    I have no idea how we won this game, they could have been out of sight before half time and many teams would have been. We were dire in the first half.

    The three half time subs were good ones, we were a different proposition second half. I understand that Todibo had missed training with a niggle so I get he didn’t start. But why not Summerville ? I do not get Summerville not starting when he impresses every time he plays.

    We may have won but we have to do a lot better than that if we’re not to be beaten in other games.

  • Matt says:

    Both managers don’t fit their respective clubs. Both clubs made the wrong appointments. INEOS quite rightly deserved the abuse for keeping faith and not getting rid much earlier when Tuchel was available.

    Think there is a strong chance Sully & Brady will be getting the same abuse later down the line unless JL starts picking the right team

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