Assistants all remain in place despite Ten Hag sacking by Man Utd

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined as United Assistant in the summer, has been named Interim Manager while the club seek a permanent replacement for Ten Hag. United created a new ‘sporting structure’ around Ten Hag during the close season.

Assistant Mitchell van der Gaag, First-Team Coach Steve McClaren, Forwards Coach Benni McCarthy and Goalkeeper Coach Richard Hartis all departed, with Rene Hake (Assistant), Van Nistelrooy (Assistant), Andreas Georgson (Set Piece and Individual Development Coach) and Jelle ten Rouwelaar (Goalkeeper Coach) arriving in their places.

Privately, United argued that this new structure gave Ten Hag the best opportunity for success, yet the club’s form so far this season – they are 14th in the Premier League after nine matches – convinced the hierarchy that a change at the top was required. The ideal scenario is for the staff to remain in place when a new Manager comes in, but that person, whoever they are, is likely to want to bring their own assistants too.

It is highly unusual for a Manager or Head Coach to work with an entirely club-appointed backroom staff. Ange Postecoglou did when he arrived at Tottenham at the start of 2023/24 – a scenario he said he had encouraged and welcomed – and so too did Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup when he was appointed Norwich City Head Coach in the summer. However, the situation remains extremely rare. 

United triggered a one-year extension in Ten Hag’s contract following May’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and then spent almost £200m on new players this summer. However, the club are now seeking their sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.