The dismissal of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has sent shockwaves through the football world, with Crickex Affiliate users noting that the news even overshadowed the Ballon d’Or ceremony in terms of public attention. In many ways, the drama surrounding his departure reflects the turbulent nature of his tenure. While Ten Hag frequently referenced the two trophies he brought to Old Trafford—the only silverware United has won in the past six years—his overall managerial record fell short of expectations.

Crickex Affiliate observers point out that both United’s domestic inconsistencies and their disappointing performances in Europe had already raised serious doubts about Ten Hag’s tactical acumen. His sacking felt less like a surprise and more like an inevitability. Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, there has been talk of professionalizing the club’s operations, but Ratcliffe’s actions haven’t always aligned with that vision. Despite holding high-level meetings, the club continued to stick with Ten Hag until pressure from fans and club legends mounted to a breaking point. Following their latest defeat, the board finally acted.

This decision, driven largely by external pressure, highlights the ongoing dysfunction within United’s leadership. Without the vocal criticism from supporters and pundits, Ten Hag might have held on a bit longer. His departure once again forces the club to confront a fundamental identity crisis: is Manchester United content being a mid-table side, or do they still aspire to return to the top of world football?

In the short term, assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as caretaker—a move that draws parallels to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s surprise appointment a few years ago. However, this feels more like a stopgap than a strategic plan. United has tried the big-name manager route before—Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, and Ralf Rangnick all brought global reputations but ultimately fell short of restoring the club’s glory.

Ten Hag’s time at United was marked by strained relationships with key players, a stubborn demeanor, and increasing public criticism. While he often stood firm in front of the press, he likely knew deep down that results weren’t good enough. In many ways, his sacking may feel like a release. The terms of his exit will now depend on negotiations with the club.

Despite the chaos, there is still potential for United to rebuild. Promising young talents like Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Højlund, and Kobbie Mainoo offer hope for the future. If their development is handled correctly, the foundation for a new era is there. But that’s the challenge that has defeated many of United’s past managers. Crickex Affiliate concludes that firing Ten Hag was the easy part—getting Manchester United back on track is the real mountain to climb.