Erik ten Hag has been spotted for the first time since being sacked as the Manchester United manager, which saw him pocket a huge pay-off.
The Red Devils announced that Ten Hag had been officially axed on Monday following the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
United owe Ten Hag a mouth-watering £16,000,000 as part of the severance package, according to The Athletic.
Ten Hag has now been photographed for the first time since his dismissal with the Dutchman pictured in the back of a black Mercedes on his way to the airport.
The 54-year-old former Ajax boss was then snapped leaving Manchester on a private jet, presumably back to the Netherlands, just hours after the news broke.
Ten Hag was informed of his sacking on Monday morning, while Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was brought in as part of the first-team coaching staff in the summer, has been asked to take charge on an interim basis.
‘Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,’ the club said in a statement on Monday.
‘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.’
Ten Hag departs Old Trafford with United sitting 14th in the Premier League, having registered just three wins from nine games.
United have also struggled in the Europa League this season under Ten Hag with draws against FC Twente, Porto and Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
In his two full seasons in charge of United, Ten Hag has guided the club to success in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
However, the team’s form in the Premier League has been the main cause for concern after an eighth-placed finish last season.
United’s hierarchy had contemplated sacking Ten Hag in the summer and had held talks with Thomas Tuchel, who has subsequently agreed to become England’s new head coach.
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In July, United then opted to extend Ten Hag’s contract until the summer of 2026, with his previous deal due to expire at the end of the season.
Speaking in what is now his final press conference as United manager on Sunday, Ten Hag was adamant that the team’s form would improve following their defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.
‘I trust in my team, it is not about correcting them, it is about trusting them for the next game. I believe my players are capable of this,’ Ten Hag said. ‘I trust them and encourage them to keep going. They have been doing this for long periods over this game and other games. Eventually we will find the net and we will win more games.’
United host Leicester City at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, before playing at home to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
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