Manchester United told Erik ten Hag that they had held talks with Thomas Tuchel before deciding to stick with the Dutchman, who was expected to lose his job in the summer
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United ADMITTED to holding talks with Thomas Tuchel – before insisting that he was still the best man for the job.
The Dutchman, 54, oversaw a disappointing season and speculation was rife that he was set to lose his job before the Red Devils beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup.
However, that triumph at Wembley was not enough to quell rumours over his future as the top brass at Old Trafford mulled over making a change during an end of season review.
It was widely reported that United held talks with other managers during the two-and-a-half week period it took for Ten Hag to receive clarity over his future. And the club were honest about with Ten Hag about their talks with Tuchel before asking him to stay on.
Speaking on NOS’ coverage of Euro 2024, Ten Hag said: “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
It has since been reported that the club are set to offer Ten Hag a new contract. He has just one year left on his current deal, but the United boss added: “Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.”
Following reports that United were set to make a change, plenty of coaches were linked with the role, including Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank. It was Tuchel, though, who was viewed as the favourite to succeed Ten Hag after refusing to extend his stay at Bayern Munich.
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Ten Hag went on to reveal that he was on holiday in Ibiza when United ‘showed up on his doorstep’ to inform him that he would be staying in his post.
On the process, he said: “INEOS took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.” When he was asked how it felt to hear that the club spoke with other coaches, Ten Hag added: “Here in Holland this is ‘not done’, in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.”
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