BREAKING: Tottenham axe Nuno Espirito Santos following dismal United defeat

Tottenham have axed Nuno Espirito Santo following Saturday’s dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

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

He was widely booed by the home crowd as they suffered a fifth defeat in their past 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 Spurs' 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 have been linked with Spurs again.

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

Nuno's coaching staff of Ian Cathro, Rui Barbosa and Antonio Dias have also left the club with Spurs saying a further update will follow in due course.