**Manchester United Parts Ways with Erik ten Hag After Struggles in Premier League and Europe**

Manchester United has decided to relieve Erik ten Hag of his managerial duties following a run of poor performances both in the Premier League and the Europa League. The decision was made during an executive committee meeting at INEOS' London headquarters on October 8 and took 20 days to come to fruition.

Discussions about Ten Hag’s future began back in May during a summit in Monaco, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe first being advised to change the managerial role. Despite these discussions, United chose to keep Ten Hag, even extending his contract by another year. However, the team's continued struggles in the current season have forced the club's hand.

During the pivotal meeting at INEOS offices, located opposite Harrods department store, key figures such as chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox presented the case for a new managerial path. Attendees included Sir Dave Brailsford, Collette Roche, and Ratcliffe, among others. The financial implications were a significant consideration, with Ten Hag’s compensation reportedly around £15 million ($19.5 million).

Manchester United's dismal positions of 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League standings were central to the decision. Although no immediate action was taken during the October ExCo meeting, a contingency plan was established, leading to fresh assessments of potential candidates. Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon emerged as a strong contender, highly admired by Berrada and likely to command around €10 million (£8.3 million/$10.8 million) in a release clause.

Amorim's potential arrival and Ten Hag's departure have put United close to financial regulation limits imposed by UEFA and the Premier League. Yet, Ratcliffe has shown a willingness to push these boundaries to find a solution.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, now acting as interim manager, might lead the team for a few matches against Leicester City, Chelsea, and PAOK Salonika, depending on how negotiations with Amorim proceed. The pursuit of Amorim signifies a bold move from Manchester United, aiming for a managerial makeover to improve their fortunes on the field.

Ten Hag’s tenure saw mixed success, including the 2023 Carabao Cup and last season's FA Cup victories. Despite his efforts to reshape the squad with signings like Rasmus Hojlund and attempts to acquire other key players, his inability to solidify United’s performance led to his dismissal. The club’s goalscoring and defensive issues persisted, sealing his fate.

As Van Nistelrooy temporarily steps up, Manchester United hopes to regain stability and start a new chapter under fresh leadership. The execs are optimistic about Amorim, seeing him as a figure who could bring style and success to the club. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the team's direction and future success.