MLS: Atlanta Sack Ex-Manchester United Defender After Managing Only 13 Games

Atlanta United sacked former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze with immediate effect, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced Monday.

Heinze was asked to step down from the role after being in charge of the club in the MLS Eastern Conference only for 13 games, out of which, his side won two, drew seven and lost four. At the end of the 43-year-old’s reign at the club, Atlanta United have 13 points and are placed 10th in the MLS Eastern Conference’s table.

Atlanta United’s Assistant Coach Rob Valentino will take over as interim head coach.

In an official press release on their website, Atlanta United, who won the MLS title in 2018 in their second season as an expansion club, stated that a variety of issues related to the team's leadership on a daily basis led the club to the decision.

"This was certainly not a decision we wanted to make at this point in our season, but it was the right one for the club. Gabi is a talented coach and is undeniably passionate about his craft and the sport of soccer. We are grateful to him for his service; and wish him all the best in the future, "Atlanta United President Darren Eales was quoted as saying, in the release.

Heinze, a former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender, was appointed by Atlanta United in December as Frank de Boer’s replacement. The Dutchman departed from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium side in July following the team’s dismal show in the MLS.

The Argentinian left-back started his soccer career at Rosario’s Newell's Old Boys club in 1996 before moving to Spain’s Valladolid the following year. He spent a few years in Spain and Portugal before moving to France to join the Ligue 1 giants PSG in 2001. He won a trophy across three seasons at PSG and then made a move to the U.K., where he was signed by Manchester United.

Heinze represented the Old Trafford side for three seasons and in the final one, he helped the team win the Premier League.

Later in his career, the Argentina defender returned to Spain and France, where he played for Real Madrid and Marseille before finally ending his playing career at Serie A club AS Roma in 2011-12.