Picture: Bruno Fernandes pens emotional farewell message to Erik ten Hag after his sacking | OneFootball

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has penned an emotional farewell message to Erik ten Hag following the confirmation of his sacking.

Moments ago, United released a statement confirming that Ten Hag has left his role as club manager, effective immediately.

The decision to axe him after two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford dugout came after Sunday’s humiliating 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which left the Red Devils in 14th place in the Premier League.

Ten Hag’s assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in on an interim basis until United secure a permanent replacement.

It’s understood that the decision to part ways with Ten Hag was “collective and unanimous” and was only reached after club bosses deemed that enough was enough.

The new football leadership group wanted to give Ten Hag the chance to work under them but things simply didn’t work out, as the team failed to nail down a consistent run of performances and results.

Bruno Fernandes has become the first United star to react to Ten Hag’s departure.

Fernandes wrote on Instagram, “Thanks for everything boss!”

“I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future.”

“Even knowing the last period hasn’t been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!”

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It was Ten Hag that made Fernandes captain after demoting Harry Maguire.

The 54-year-old coach is in line to pocket a huge compensation package believed to be in the region of £15million.

Some of the managers linked to the United job include Xavi Hernandez, Edin Terzic, Julian Nagelsmann, Gareth Southgate, Ruben Amorim and Thomas Frank.

Meanwhile, the Reds return to action on Wednesday when they face Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.