Erik ten Hag's bold claim that he could lead Manchester United to Premier League glory has come back to haunt him following his dismissal on Monday.

The Dutchman was shown the door after a two-year stint at the helm, during which time he secured the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Despite adding some silverware to the cabinet, Ten Hag's time was marred by significant challenges, including heavy losses in both the Premier League and Champions League.

United's recent form has been particularly alarming, with United recording their second-worst start to a season, managing only three victories in their first nine matches. Under immense pressure to deliver results this season, especially after a hefty summer investment of PS178.5 million, Ten Hag remained convinced that he could turn things around at Old Trafford.

He boasted about his team's potential for success, highlighting that they had outperformed all other English clubs except Manchester City since 2022. Before the season kicked off, Ten Hag confidently said: "With the two trophies we won more than any other club, apart from City, in England. We are confident, we have a good team, we have a good squad. We have to be more consistent and we want to win every competition in which we are taking part, definitely also the Premier League."

Restlessness amongst the fans with Erik ten Hag's tenure became palpable, reaching boiling point after Matthijs de Ligt gave away a late penalty against West Ham - ultimately handing the Hammers a vital win. The subsequent decision was quick and simple, as Ten Hag was shown the exit door on Monday morning.

Charged with steadying the ship is former player and assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who steps up as the caretaker manager while the club embarks on the search for a new permanent boss.

Ten Hag once believed that he could bring Premier League glory back to United ( Image:

"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."

As the hunt kicks off for a fresh leader at Old Trafford, supporters are crossing their fingers that the chosen one will possess the skills to achieve what Ten Hag aspired to do at the helm - restore Premier League title glory to the once supreme club in the country.