Chronicle Editor
ROY Keane gave his 14-word reaction to Erik ten Hag’s departure as Manchester United manager after the Dutchman was sacked by the club on Monday.
United took the decision to part ways with Ten Hag a day after the Red Devils’ 2-1 loss to West Ham. The defeat was their fourth Premier League loss of the season and saw them drop to 14th in the table. They have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions.
Keane took to social media to give his immediate reaction to the sacking as he took aim at United’s players. He wrote: “In good teams, coaches hold players accountable. In great teams, players hold players accountable.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in interim charge at Old Trafford ahead of today’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Leicester, but United have reportedly already approached Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.
It is understood that United are willing to pay the €10million release clause to secure 39-year-old Amorim, whose Sporting Lisbon side sit top of the Portuguese table.
However, supporters would like to see Keane given a role under the new management team and believe the Irishman would “sort” a few of United’s players out.
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One said: “Join Van Nistelrooy for team talks, you’d sort a few of them out.”
Another wrote: “The only man that can save us now. Let’s go Roy.”
Someone else commented: “Whoever becomes manger needs to get you more involved in the club.”
One other post read: “Agreed, it’s time for the United captain to take control again – we need you Roy – we have lost values of club and need only one man – YOU.”
Sunday’s controversial 2-1 defeat at West Ham, in which Jarrod Bowen’s disputed late penalty proved decisive, was the final straw for Ten Hag. Speculation over the Dutchman’s future had regained intensity in recent weeks after the 54-year-old remained in the role at the end of last season.
A club statement shortly before noon 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.”
Ten Hag survived a summer review at United, buoyed by having beaten Manchester City to lift the FA Cup in May, but after only three wins from nine league games the club have swiftly had a rethink.
United indicated it was a unanimous and collective decision, albeit a difficult one to take.
The club had wanted to give Ten Hag the chance to work within a new sporting structure set up over the summer, but results and performances have forced their hand.
It is understood the club’s hierarchy had not seen enough progress in Ten Hag’s side to believe they were on the right path to challenge again for the Premier League title.
After replacing interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag ended the club’s six-year wait for a major trophy in his first season when his side beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
The former Ajax boss also led United to a third-placed top-flight finish, but his second season saw United knocked out of the Champions League group phase before finishing eighth in the Premier League.
Despite rampant speculation that he would be sacked in the summer, the club opted to trigger a contract extension until 2026 after carrying out an extensive review.
Ten Hag, United’s fifth permanent head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, had led Ajax to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals and also won the league and cup double with them in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
Keane has not managed in his own right since leaving Ipswich in 2011, but worked closely as Martin O’Neill’s assistant with Ireland and Nottingham Forest, his last such role being in 2019. He also worked as Paul Lambert’s assistant at Aston Villa. —Irish Mirror
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