Tottenham axe Nuno following dismal defeat to United

Tottenham have axed Nuno Espirito Santo following Saturday’s dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

The Portuguese’s reign in North London comes to an end after just four months and 17 games in charge.

Nuno, 47, was widely booed by the home fans as Spurs slumped to a fifth defeat in their last seven Premier League games against United.

And chairman Daniel Levy decided the combination of shoddy displays and the crowd's reaction was enough to sack a third permanent manager in less than two years.

In a statement on Tottenham's official website, managing director of football Fabio Paratici said: "I know how much Nuno and his coaching staff wanted to succeed and I regret that we have had to take this decision.

"Nuno is a true gentleman and will always be welcome here. 

"We should like to thank him and his coaching staff and wish them well for the future."

Former boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Chelsea manager Antonio Conte were both targets in the summer and are expected to head the list of potential candidates once again.

But with an unbalanced squad, Harry Kane looking to move on and the club facing a battle just to qualify for European football, Tottenham may struggle to attract a top candidate.

Coaching staff Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have also left with immediate effect, with the club stating a further update will follow in due course.

Ahead of their home game with Vitesse in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, Spurs are languishing third in Group G having picked up four points from three games. 

They currently sit eighth in the Premier League table and will be desperate to pick up a victory at Everton on Sunday.