Erik ten Hag becomes sixth most expensive Prem sacking of all time with incredible payout

could reportedly be set to pay out the sixth-most expensive compensation package in Premier League history after sacking Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman was sacked on Monday morning with the Red Devils 14th in the top-flight.

Sunday's 2-1 defeat by West Ham has led the United hierarchy to conclude that Ten Hag's reign had reached a nadir. It was the fourth Premier League defeat of the campaign, with United also struggling to find their first triumph in the Europa League.

But the Old Trafford outfit could face a major pay-off after deciding to axe Ten Hag. The 54-year-old only signed a contract extension in June, which would have seen him remain at the club until 2026.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag was due to be paid around £13.5million for the remainder of his contract. If he receives that payment in full, the former Ajax boss would place sixth in the biggest Premier League pay-offs of all time.

Antonio Conte remains the biggest beneficiary, reportedly receiving a huge £26.6m when he left Chelsea in 2018. Jose Mourinho is claimed to have earned £19.6m when he left Manchester United in 2018 and £18m when he left Chelsea for the first time in 2007.

The Portuguese coach has earned substantial amounts of money from compensation. He was reportedly paid £16m after leaving Tottenham in 2021. Meanwhile, Chelsea paid Luis Felipe Scolari £13.6m when they sacked the Brazilian in 2009.

Ten Hag becomes the latest United manager to be sacked following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and David Moyes have all been given the boot over the last decade.

Compensation packages paid to those managers reportedly total around £70m. It comes just months after a cost-cutting exercise saw United make a quarter of their workforce redundant.

A club statement issued on Monday read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager.

"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."

Former United striker Van Nistelrooy had been assistant to Ten Hag since the summer. The likes of Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Julian Nagelsmann have all been linked with the vacancy.