‘RIK ROLED

ERIK TEN HAG has finally been sacked by Manchester United — and SunSport can reveal the reasons why.

The Dutch boss, 54, was axed just hours after the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat at West Ham as the club released a blunt 87-word statement.

The result leaves Man Utd 14th in the Premier League — with the club also winless in all three of their Europa League matches.

Ten Hag was under serious pressure in the summer after guiding United to a record-worst eighth placed finish.

But ultimately the ex-Ajax boss escaped the axe and was handed an improved contract on the back of his side’s FA Cup win.

However, SunSport can now reveal why United chiefs performed a U-turn just nine games into the Premier League season.

While Red Devils chiefs found the decision difficult, they were unanimous in their decision to move on from Ten Hag.

The United boardroom were keen to give the Dutchman a chance to work under the new structure put in place by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United bosses were keen to keep Ten Hag in a bid to find continuity in their leadership for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012-13 season.

However, they were left disappointed by both the results AND the performances on the pitch and feared the lack of momentum could only cause United to fall further.

Chiefs felt there were no excuses for the shoddy form and poor results both in the Premier League and Europa League — especially the manner in which the side have dropped points from winning positions.

Having put things in place to watch the team develop, the shocking start to 2024-25 left them with no option but to sack Ten Hag.

Ruud van Nistelrooy — brought in to help Ten Hag in the summer — has replaced his old boss on an interim basis.

And he is one of many names in the running to take over at Old Trafford permanently.

Edin Terzic is the club’s favourite having led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last term.

Thomas Tuchel is no longer an option after the former Chelsea chief took the England job.

But his Three Lions predecessor, Gareth Southgate, has long been linked with the job — despite suggesting he would take a year out after guiding the nation to the Euro 2024 crown.

Ex-United Under-18s coach Kieran McKenna has also been suggested, along with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

Ruben Amorim and ex-Barcelona chief Xavi are also big name options —Sun.