What is it about West Ham and getting managers sacked as Man United axe Erik ten Hag following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium.
Such was the pressure on Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag at West Ham and Manchester United respectively leading up to Sunday’s Premier League clash, it was dubbed ‘El Sackico’.
West Ham’s owners backed Lopetegui in a Hammers News exclusive on the eve of the Man United match.
But speculation was rife around Old Trafford that Ten Hag was on his last legs.
Other managers were reportedly being sounded out by INEOS prior to facing West Ham.
Now they will be waiting by the phone.
Because Ten Hag has been axed by the Red Devils less than 24 hours after the 2-1 loss against the Hammers.
The defeat was somewhat harsh given Manchester United could and should have been at least 3-0 up by half-time.
West Ham the Grim Reaper of the Premier League
And given the controversial nature of the last gasp penalty. Although West Ham would argue – as many fans have – that they were long overdue some decisions in their favour in fixtures against Manchester United.
In a brief statement on the official Manchester United website, the club confirmed Ten Hag’s departure.
“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” the statement reads.
“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.”
It cements West Ham’s position as the Grim Reaper of the Premier League.
Ten Hag joins list of managers sacked after losing to West Ham
Because Man United have added Ten Hag to a list of managers sacked after losing to the Hammers.
It seems losing to West Ham is as bad as it gets for some clubs.
Of course circumstances and timing play a part.
Ten Hag lost at West Ham in his two previous visits and survived.
But the Hammers have proven to be the death knell for many managers down the years.
Ten Hag has been added to West Ham’s body count for 2024. Here are some of the other big names on the list.
Frank Lampard – Everton 2023
Last January West Ham welcomed Everton to the London Stadium in what was a relegation six-pointer at the time.
Managed by Hammers academy graduate turned villain Frank Lampard, there was a lot riding on the game.
West Ham fans goaded Lampard with chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ – just as they did to Ten Hag on Sunday – with their team running out 2-0 winners.
And it proved prophetic as Lampard was shown the door the next day after less than a year in charge.
Bruno Lage – Wolves 2022
Wolves sacked head coach Bruno Lage after a 2-0 defeat to West Ham which saw them slip into the relegation zone.
Lage had seen £100m spent on new signings.
But when Wolves were beaten by the Hammers, it proved to be the end of his 15-month spell in charge.
Slaven Bilic – West Bromwich Albion 2020
Much-loved by West Ham’s fans, there was little pleasure taken seeing Slaven Bilic sacked by West Brom in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to West Ham in 2020.
Word is the decision was made after that defeat to Bilic’s former club.
But the Baggies had a quick turnaround of less than 72 hours before a match against Man City.
So Bilic was kept in charge – amid much confusion – until after that game, which West Brom drew 1-1, before then being given his marching orders.
Steve Bruce – Aston Villa 2018
Although Steve Bruce wasn’t sacked immediately afterwards, it was his team’s 3-0 loss to West Ham that was said to have been one of the final nails in the coffin according to reports from local press at the time.
Mauricio Pellegrino – Southampton 2018
Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked after a string of poor results. But it culminated in a 3-0 loss to West Ham that sealed his departure.
Joao Mario and a Marko Arnautovic double saw West Ham seal safety in David Moyes’ first stint as manager.
And it resulted in Pellegrino getting his P45.
Frank de Boer – Crystal Palace 2017
Dutch legend Frank De Boer was sacked after Crystal Palace suffered a 1-0 loss to West Ham, marking his fourth defeat in as many Premier League games, a record at the time.
Palace’s owners clearly felt losing to the Hammers was the final straw, though.
Jose Mourinho – Chelsea 2015
Undoubtedly the biggest name on West Ham’s list of managers sacked after defeats to them is Jose Mourinho.
West Ham beat Chelsea 2-1 at Upton Park during the Special One’s second stint at the club and West Ham’s memorable Farewell Boleyn campaign.
Mauro Zarate scored and Andy Carroll hit a late winner during a tempestuous match which had seen Mourinho and Nemanja Matic sent off.
Mourinho was not sacked directly after the defeat at West Ham. But it has since been reported a board meeting was held after the Hammers defeat and a decision was all but made. When Chelsea lost to eventual champions Leicester they pulled the trigger.
Avram Grant – Chelsea 2008
In his first managerial job in the Premier League, Avram Grant lost to West Ham, which, it’s reported, heavily contributed to Chelsea’s decision to replace him.
Ironically Grant would go on to be appointed by West Ham and lead them to relegation and he was sacked again.
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