A report from The Sun has published an image of Ten Hag bowing his head in the back of a car as he left his Chesire home later in the day.

It's claimed that the 54-year-old, who was understandably hiding from the cameras, plans to return to his homeland, the Netherlands, after his sacking.

Ten Hag hasn't yet commented on the decision, but he will reportedly receive a compensation package worth £13.5million.

His assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, will take interim charge, leading the current coaching staff in position at Old Trafford.

Despite launching his managerial career at PSV Eindhoven, Van Nistelrooy returned in the summer, sparking suspicion that he was INEOS' contingency plan should Ten Hag leave.

While that may not be true, he is the obvious candidate to step in for Ten Hag while United seek a permanent replacement.

The club's official statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.

"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."

United were clearly determined to retain patience in Ten Hag, handing him a one-year contract extension and another £200million to spend in the transfer window this summer.

However, reports claim they considered his side to be vastly underachieving, given the backing he has been given by them and the club's previous hierarchy since his 2022 arrival.

Van Nistelrooy will likely also take charge of United for Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

PAOK and Leicester visit M16 next week before the November international break, representing the ideal time for the club to announce a permanent successor.