Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United on October 28, 2024, the day after the Red Devils lost 2-0 away to West Ham, but unbeknownst to him, his replacement had already been lined up
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United arrives at Carrington Training Ground and is greeted by CEO Omar Barrada on November 11, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim was appointed by Manchester United in November 2024
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Erik ten Hag was left stunned by his sacking at Manchester United, who'd already agreed terms with Ruben Amorim in secret. United decided to part ways with the Dutchman in the days leading up to his final match, a controversial 2-0 defeat away to West Ham.
Ten Hag, 55, had spent nearly two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford hot seat, winning a trophy in both of his full seasons. But a lowly eighth-placed finish in the Premier League and poor recruitment ultimately cost the former Ajax boss his job.
Amorim, who was hot property thanks to his success at Sporting Lisbon, was the man chosen to replace him and has now been in charge for just under a year. As we approach the anniversary of his official appointment, the story of how he agreed to become United's manager has surfaced - and it's brutal for Ten Hag.
In the summer of 2024, Old Trafford chiefs privately spoke to different coaches about replacing him. After holding talks with Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, United's new-look hierarchy - headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe - opted to keep Ten Hag, triggering a one-year extension in his contract as a show of commitment.
But a poor start to his third season at the helm prompted Ratcliffe and Co to rethink. After going back to the drawing board, Amorim emerged as their top target and a meeting in Spain was set.
The Athletic report that by October 25, 2024, the Portuguese had agreed personal terms and said 'yes' in calls with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada and soon-to-be director of football Jason Wilcox. That was all while United's players, Ten Hag and staff were travelling to London preparing to face West Ham.
Ten Hag's side were fresh off a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in Turkey, having beaten Brentford 2-1 at home the weekend prior. But United's bigwigs had already made their minds up.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Erik ten Hag Manager / Head Coach of Manchester United applauds after the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag's replacement was decided before his final game
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So when the Red Devils conceded a late penalty at the London Stadium, the axe was being sharped. On the Monday, October 28, Ten Hag was summoned to Carrington and informed of his sacking by Berrarda.
His reaction was one of shock. Ten Hag believed that he'd be given more time under the club's new leadership after proving that he could deliver silverware.
After deciding to wait until the beginning of the 2025-26 season to return to management, Ten Hag was appointed by Bayer Leverkusen, replacing the highly successful Xabi Alonso. His reign lasted just three games.
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