Gary Neville reacts as Manchester United confirm Erik ten Hag sacking

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has insisted that Erik ten Hag's future was already decided after the 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. The Red Devils announced on Monday that the Dutch manager had vacated his position on the back of the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday, October 27.

It would be Erik ten Hag's fifth defeat this season in 14 games and it was enough for Manchester United to seek a change. The Dutchman leaves having won the EFL Cup in his debut campaign and the FA Cup last season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville insisted that the club's decision won't shock anyone.

"I thought it was coming, looking at the game against Tottenham a few weeks ago, was the sort of game where I felt 'I have seen this before, I know how it ends'. It was a really bad day obviously for United but a bad day for Erik ten Hag," said Neville.

He continued:

"Overall I just think, the challenges of the result, the challenges of the performance levels and the owners have decided to sack Erik ten Hag. And I don't think anyone of us will be too shocked this morning after what happened yesterday."

Neville also pointed out that the new signings brought in this summer had failed to improve Manchester United.

"I think the big shock for me is just how bad they've been with the new signings that have come in. I felt as though they would have enough to be able to get a decent level performance together," said Neville.

He concluded:

"The fact they are at 14th is just unacceptable. You cannot be in 14th after nearly nine ten games really with the level of spend that has occurred, without being under significant pressure and that is just what has happened."

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in charge as interim head coach while the Red Devils search for their next manager.

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Who will be Manchester United's next manager?

Xavi has admirers at Manchester United

Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United have identified former Barcelona manager Xavi as the ideal replacement for Erik ten Hag (via MSN). An image shared by the Spanish manager's wife on social media, showing one of his sons wearing a Red Devils jersey, has already sent the rumour mill on overdrive.

The Premier League giants had been in touch with Thomas Tuchel over the summer, but the German manager has already taken the England job (via United in Focus). Zinedine Zidane is reportedly a candidate for the hot seat at Old Trafford as well, although he has previously rejected Manchester United (via beIN Sports).

The Red Devils have also been linked with Germany manager Julen Nagelsmann and Brentford's Thomas Frank (via Football365).