The anniversary of Erik ten Hag’s sacking as Manchester United manager will stir up conflicting emotions for those connected with the club. And with Ruben Amorim now facing persistent speculation about his own future, many will ponder where the Red Devils might be had Ten Hag remained in charge.
The Dutchman’s departure shocked the masses, including Ten Hag himself. And as this month officially marks one year since the coach’s unceremonious departure, his replacement may soon face a similar fate. The Daily Mail revealed in late October 2024 that Ten Hag was “in the dark” regarding his dismissal despite a dismal run of results at that point. United languished at 14th in the Premier League and had just lost at West Ham, having secured only one victory in their last eight matches under the ex-Ajax manager.
Ten Hag narrowly avoided the chop in the summer after lifting the FA Cup to keep his position in the Old Trafford hotseat. However, despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe handing the tactician a 12-month contract extension in the summer of 2024, he was relieved of his responsibilities just a few months later.
That rapid rise and fall probably explained the sense of astonishment when he was summoned to an office at Carrington around this time last year. And it’s a walk-the-plank scenario that could await Amorim in the not-too-distant future should matters fail to improve soon.
The Red Devils, having secured three consecutive home victories before the international break, are still in search of their first away win this season, currently sat 10th in the Premier League. Just like Amorim, Ten Hag received substantial support from his superiors shortly before his departure.
The summer of 2024 saw United splash out more than £200million on new signings. And that figure is strikingly similar to what was spent during Amorim’s maiden summer transfer window in Manchester.
One might argue Ten Hag was somewhat naive not to foresee his dismissal given United’s performances prior to the split. By the same token, Amorim should perhaps be wary at Old Trafford, having guided the team to a record-low 15th-place finish in the Premier League and struggling to make improvements this season.
Ineos billionaire Ratcliffe has yet to bring about the successful new era at United he envisioned when he invested in the club. As he approaches the second anniversary of his partial takeover, he may soon average one managerial sacking per year in Manchester.
For now, at least, it appears Amorim has Ratcliffe’s backing. However, this show of faith bears an uncanny resemblance to the support Ten Hag received shortly before he was shown the door.
“He has not had the best of seasons,” said Ratcliffe during a recent appearance on The Business Podcast. “Amorim is a good guy. I would say Ruben needs to demonstrate that he’s a great coach over three years.
“That’s where I would be – three years – because football is not overnight. Look at Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he had a miserable time the first couple of years.”