Remi Garde has left Aston Villa by mutual consent after just five months as manager.

Garde was hired to help Villa avoid relegation but he won just two of his 20 Premier League matches in charge of the club.

Eric Black will take temporary charge of the team, with the club releasing the following statement on Tuesday night: “Rémi Garde has today left Aston Villa by mutual consent. The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Rémi for all his efforts during a difficult period and wish him well in the future.”

It added: “Eric Black will take over as acting manager until the club appoints a new manager. There will be no further comment from the club at this stage.”

Garde replaced Tim Sherwood at the start of November.

Villa are bottom of the Premier League and stand close to no chance of avoiding relegation to the Championship.