Sacked Manchester United manager says ‘dream has come to an end’

Erik ten Hag has responded to his sacking by Manchester United by thanking fans for their “unshakeable” support and saying his “dream has come to an end”.

In a statement issued through his agents hours after United announced Ruben Amorim as his successor, Ten Hag called the atmosphere at Old Trafford “electrifying” and said supporters had “radiated a strong sense of unity”.

“We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Ten Hag, referencing United’s Carabao Cup triumph in his first campaign and their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last season, which came despite reports that he would be dismissed regardless of the result and led to the club triggering a one-year extension in his contract.

“My dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end. I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory.

“Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life.”

A message from Erik ten Hag pic.twitter.com/Iqxfup9V0B

— SEG Football (@SEG_Football) November 1, 2024

Ten Hag statement

Ten Hag was sacked on Monday, a day after a 2-1 defeat at West Ham left United with three wins and four losses from their first nine league games and four victories in 14 in all competitions.

United announced in April 2022 that Ten Hag would join them from Ajax, where he won the Dutch title three times and KNVB Cup twice.

The 20-time champions were not credible title challengers in his first season, finishing 14 points behind champions Manchester City and nine behind second-placed Arsenal.

Worse was to come in 2023-24, when United’s eighth-placed position was their lowest since 1989-90, accompanied by finishing bottom of a Champions League group containing Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray, winning once during the group stage.

“It was a sad day, I talked to Erik and saw him” 💬

Ruud van Nistelrooy on the day of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/btm4axYB6w

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 1, 2024

Amorim replaces Ten Hag

The Ineos Group, who finalised their takeover of the club’s footballing operations in February, allowed Ten Hag to spend more than £200 million in the summer but there was no sustained upturn in performances and results.

The 54-year-old also saw little return on the £86m he used to make winger Antony the second-most expensive signing in United’s history in September 2022.

Portuguese Amorim will join United from Sporting on November 11. The 39-year-old has led the Liga Portugal leaders to two titles in his homeland.