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The decision to axe the Dutchman after two-and-a-half years in charge came after Sunday’s defeat at West Ham left United in 14th place in the Premier League.

Ten Hag’s new No 2 Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in on an interim basis while the club look for a permanent replacement. Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, Brentford manager Thomas Frank, Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim and ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic are believed to have been sounded out.

A club statement issued at 11.50am on Monday read: ‘Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.

‘Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

‘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.

It’s understood that the decision by United’s leadership team was collective and unanimous, even though sources say it was ‘a difficult and finely balanced’ one.

Mail Sport also understands that the players were told about Ten Hag’s sacking at the same time the official announcement was made on Monday.

Despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his two seasons at Old Trafford, Ten Hag finished eighth in the Premier League last term with a negative goal difference.

He was given the chance to work within a new structure after Omar Berrada was appointed as chief executive in the summer alongside new sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

His backroom staff was also overhauled with Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake coming in as his assistants to replace Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag.

However, results and performances did not improve as United won just three of their opening nine Premier League fixtures and also dropped to 21st in the Europa League without a victory in three games.