Manchester United has officially parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag following a controversial defeat to West Ham United on Sunday. The decision comes as the club finds itself struggling in 14th place in the Premier League, having accumulated only 11 points from nine matches. In a statement released on social media, the club announced, “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.” Ten Hag, who was appointed in April 2022, achieved some success during his tenure, winning two domestic trophies: the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
The club expressed gratitude for his contributions, stating, “We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.” In the wake of Ten Hag’s departure, former player Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim head coach. Van Nistelrooy, who joined the coaching staff at the beginning of this season, will lead the team alongside the current coaching team while the search for a permanent replacement is underway. His immediate task will be to address the team’s offensive struggles, a role previously held by former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy. Manchester United’s troubles extend beyond the domestic league, as the club currently sits 21st in the new format of the Europa League, having drawn all three of their matches in the competition. The upcoming weeks will be critical for United as they aim to turn their season around under Van Nistelrooy’s interim management.
Bafana’s Ronwen Williams misses out on Yashlin Trophy at Ballon d’Or awards
South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams ended ranked ninth in the Yashlin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, on Monday evening.In a landmark moment for football, Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez has been awarded the prestigious Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper. This marks the first time a South African, represented by Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, has been nominated for the accolade, celebrated during the glamorous Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, often referred to as football’s Oscars.
Prior to the awards, Williams was leading in a public vote for the top keeper, yet the final placings of the ten nominees were determined by a distinguished panel of journalists from top footballing nations. Despite not winning, Williams’s presence alongside football legends highlights his growing influence in the sport. The night also saw Manchester City’s Rodri emerging as a Ballon d’Or favorite, while Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid notably opted to skip the Paris ceremony. Reflecting on his participation, Williams stated, “It’s an honour and a privilege to be recognised amongst the greats. It’s a massive achievement, and I still get goosebumps. Hopefully, this will open more doors for South Africans and Africans to get the recognition they deserve.
” Williams has also been nominated for three categories at the upcoming CAF Awards, including African Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Interclub Player of the Year, thanks to his impressive performances for Mamelodi Sundown’s and Bafana Bafana. The talented keeper attributed his success to the inspiration drawn from global icons like Martinez. “Definitely. They’re playing at the highest level in the most prestigious tournaments. I try to emulate them and see how they maintain their top form. I just aim to be on their level,” he said. Williams’s accolades come on the heels of a successful Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign earlier this year, where Bafana Bafana secured the bronze medal and he was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. As Mamelodi Sundown’s continue to dominate the Betway Premiership, Williams’s accolades and recognition signal a bright future for South African football on the world stage.
