There were joyous scenes among fans of rival clubs after Manchester United’s decision to sack Erik ten Hag was overturned following a lengthy VAR review.
United’s board made the unanimous decision to end Ten Hag’s tenure as boss following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham that left the club 14th in the Premier League.
But Old Trafford chiefs were furious when referee David Coote was sent to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee Michael Oliver to review the decision to sack the Dutchman.
Despite protests from INEOS and the United fans, Coote tore up Ten Hag’s sacking letter and reinstated him as manager.
The Premier League later explained on its Match Centre account on X the reasons for reversing the decision.
‘Purely for the craic’, it said.
‘I think everyone outside of Manchester United would agree, we’re just not quite ready for the banter to stop.
‘Any manager who starts the season without a left back then goes out and buys another right back only to play him as a number 10, is a comedy genius in our eyes.
‘He needs to be given more time so he can produce more hilarious moments like signing an injury prone Mason Mount in the last year of his contract for £55m. Top notch banter, Erik’.
However, INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was furious that the referee overturned his original decision.
‘This is the worst thing Michael Oliver has done since he had those stripes shaved into his hair’, Radcliffe told Paddy Power News.
‘I guess we better prepare ourselves for life in the Championship with Erik still in charge.
‘I can’t stand the man. Honestly, I can’t even look at boiled eggs anymore because it reminds me of him.
‘It’s the fans I feel for the most. I was looking forward to cheering them up by appointing Gareth Southgate. There’s always next season I suppose’.
*Paddy Power News’s footy news is pure fantasy – don’t believe it for a second
Get more tips, offers and news from Paddy Power
- Exclusive: Thomas Tuchel wants Andy Murray as assistant England coach
- Man City clinch £5billion sponsorship deal with Man City owner Sheikh Mansour
- Who could replace Erik ten Hag as Man United manager? Get the latest odds
- Premier League relegation odds: Who are the favourites for the drop this season?
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
