Man Utd left in turmoil just a month before pre-season tour as Erik ten Hag casts doubt over his future
ERIK TEN HAG has cast doubt over his Manchester United future just a month before pre-season is due to begin.
The Dutchman looked to be out of a job after United ended up eighth, their worst finish in Premier League history.
But Ten Hag gave himself a fighting chance by winning the FA Cup to make it two trophies in as many seasons.
Still, United looked to replace the ex-Ajax boss and interviewed as many as SIX candidates.
But eventually, Ten Hag was told while on a holiday in Ibiza that he would keep his job.
And in a sensational U-turn, he could even be offered a contract extension but it is something not yet agreed.
Ten Hag told Dutch TV station NOS: “We had a good chat and several topics have been discussed.
“And we drew the conclusion that we continue with each other. But the conclusion is also that we’ll sit down to extend the contract.
“We have to come to an agreement. No, that’s done as easy as one-two-three, we need to discuss that.”
Ten Hag revealed the United board told him they held talks with the likes of former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
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He said: “They did tell me that. And they were…
“But well, I don’t think that’s a secret because everyone has been able to follow that, that they were speaking to several candidates.”
Ten Hag insisted United’s decision to speak to managerial candidates while he was still in charge is not something that would be acceptable in Holland.
He said: “In the Netherlands that’s not done. You’re not even allowed to have talks with another club when a trainer is a sitting trainer.
“But well, the laws and rules are different there [in England]. They did so, and eventually they came to the conclusion that they have the best trainer.”
United are due on pre-season tour to Norway and America with their first match against Rosenborg on July 15.
And Ten Hag admitted he has already had one summer break ruined when his bosses gatecrashed his Spain getaway to talk business.
He said: “They spoiled that a bit this week because they suddenly stood in front of my door.
“I think like in every organisation, which I think is wise, you evaluate. And based on that you draw conclusions.
“And Manchester United did the same. The management, the new management, they’re in football for the first time, they took plenty of time to evaluate the lot.”
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