Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other key Manchester United figures decided to keep manager Erik ten Hag in his position after two-and-a-half weeks of intense speculation
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe disturbed his family holiday to let him know that he was staying on as Manchester United manager, having secretly met candidates to replace him.
Co-owner Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues made the decision to retain Ten Hag after a protracted end-of-season review which lasted two-and-a-half weeks. United had even held meetings with other managers and their representatives before last month’s FA Cup final in which the Red Devils stunned rivals Manchester City 2-1.
In spite of the shock win at Wembley, Ten Hag was made to wait for clarity on his future, having led United to their worst-ever Premier League finish during his second season in at Old Trafford. Ex-Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was among the candidates who Ratcliffe and co met, a fact which Ten Hag is happy to admit.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the decision was made, the former Ajax mnager told Dutch broadcaster NOS: “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.”
Asked how he felt about United holding talks behind his back, Ten Hag continued: “Here in Holland this is ‘not done’, in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.”
Ten Hag went on to explain how he received the news that he was staying, as the 54-year-old said with a smile: “Manchester United flew to me in Ibiza to tell me that I was gonna stay. So they disturbed my holiday, they suddenly stood at my doorstep.”
On the club’s discussions with Tuchel, who left Bayern at the end of the season, a surprisingly outspoken Ten Hag added: “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
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INEOS now plan to offer Ten Hag a contract extension, although the Dutchman has cast doubt over how ‘easy’ agreeing a new deal will be.
“Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract,” Ten Hag explained. “This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.”
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
