Manchester United take on West Ham on Sunday for the first time since their decision to sack Erik ten Hag, which came just a day after last October’s 2-1 loss at the London Stadium
Erik ten Hag’s sacking at Manchester United came just hours after the Premier League side were told to ditch the Dutchman by Jamie O’Hara. The 55-year-old was dismissed from his role at Old Trafford last October, just one day after his side lost 2-1 to West Ham at the London Stadium.
With the Red Devils taking on the east London side on Sunday, it’s the first time they’ll do so since the first match between the two sides sparked the sacking of Ten Hag after over two years in charge.
The defeat was United’s fourth in just nine league games and saw them languishing 14th in the table and it was eventually too much for the club’s hierarchy to accept.
However, before the decision came down to remove the ex-Ajax boss from his job, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was told to do just that by O’Hara, who called on the 13-time Premier League champions to get rid of him.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was asked what he’d do regarding Ten Hag, to which he gave his verdict.
“I’d get rid of him; I would have gotten rid of him three months ago,” he said. “I wouldn’t have gave him a contract after the FA Cup, I’d have said, ‘Thanks very much, you’ve finished with a trophy, go out on a high.
“They should have got something from the game today but overall they’ve been poor. I’ve watched them in the Europa League as well and they’ve been poor.”
The pundit was proved right as less than 24 hours later, Ten Hag was sacked with United confirming their decision in a statement. It read: “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.” While Amorim arrived over two weeks later, United’s form only got worse and have remained in the bottom half since Christmas and currently sit 15th with three games to go.
However, the Portuguese boss is on the verge of delivering a European trophy in his first season with his side set to duke it out with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final later this month.
There have been changes at West Ham also, as Julen Lopetegui was relieved of his duties in early January, four days after their 4-1 loss at Manchester City.
It was ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter who was appointed as the Spaniard’s replacement, but the Hammers’ fortunes haven’t changed much. They’ve earned just three league wins in their last 15 games as they sit a lowly 17th.
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