Erik ten Hag reveals Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd manager hiring process that is ‘forbidden’ in Holland
ERIK TEN HAG revealed Manchester United underwent a hiring process that is not allowed in Holland.
United confirmed they would keep Ten Hag in charge after he led the club to FA Cup glory last month.
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But club chiefs considered replacing the Dutchman and even spoke to potential replacements.
Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi held talks with United over the possibility of taking over.
And according to Ten Hag such practice is forbidden in his native Holland.
He told Dutch outlet Nos: “As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too.
“The new owner is new to football, he has taken his time.
“They have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers.
“That is not even allowed in the Netherlands.
“Then it is forbidden to talk to other coaches if there is still a trainer.”
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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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Ten Hag, 54, is now set to be offered a new contract but he has three big demands before he puts pen to paper.
He will not relinquish control of transfers, which the new set-up wanted to take out of his hands.
And Ten Hag will not allow Jadon Sancho back into the first-team squad unless the player apologises for labelling him a liar last term.
The boss also wants his first-team coach Benni McCarthy given a new contract with his current deal set to expire.
Ten Hag's five worst defeats
ERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.
5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023
The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.
4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023
It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.
3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022
Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.
2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024
The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.
1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023
Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.