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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has opened up on the membership’s efforts to safe a alternative for him earlier than it was ultimately determined that he would keep it up within the Outdated Trafford dugout.
Ten Hag was subjected to probably the most intense criticism as United endured a particularly disappointing 2023/24 season. The group completed in eighth place, their lowest-ever end since 1989/90.
For giant components of the tumultuous marketing campaign, Ten Hag and his gamers had been slammed for his or her inconsistent outcomes and performances.
Nonetheless, there was some mild on the finish of the tunnel for the Dutchman as he masterminded a superb 2-1 win towards Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup last. Quickly after that match, INEOS initiated an end-of-season evaluate that lasted greater than two weeks. It was said that the outcomes of the evaluate would decide whether or not or not Ten Hag would hold his job.
Whereas INEOS’ thorough audit was ongoing, it’s believed they stored in contact with potential replacements for Ten Hag. United maintained contact with the representatives of different managers corresponding to Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank and Marco Silva.
It was claimed that Ratcliffe personally met with Tuchel in Monaco to debate the German coach’s candidacy for the United managerial place. Tuchel ultimately dominated himself out of the working.
A scarcity of viable choices and different components corresponding to his promotion of the youth mixed to persuade INEOS and the highest brass at United to afford Ten Hag extra time.
In reality, the 54-year-old is in line to be handed a brand new two-year deal that may hold him contracted to the Crimson Devils for the foreseeable future.
Forward of England’s opening group stage conflict towards Serbia, Ten Hag appeared on Dutch TV NOS Studio Voetbal and gave perception into what actually transpired behind the scenes.
He confirmed that INEOS did certainly have conversations together with his potential successors however ultimately, they elected to maintain him as they knowledgeable him he’s the most effective match for the function.
He defined that United “disturbed his vacation” and “instantly appeared at his doorstep” in Ibiza to clarify that they wish to proceed working with him.
Ten Hag additionally stated that United flew him out to Ibiza for his much-deserved break.
He added, “Manchester United have advised me that they spoke with Tuchel, however they ultimately got here to the conclusion that they have already got the most effective supervisor.”
“Manchester United and I nonetheless have to seek out an settlement for the brand new contract. This isn’t simply carried out, we’re nonetheless going to have to speak about this…”
On the end-of-season evaluate course of and the way it panned out, Ten Hag remarked, “INEOS took their time. They’re new in soccer, it’s regular to replicate on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with a number of candidates.”
When requested the way it felt to be taught the membership was talking to different candidates, he replied, “Right here in Holland that is ‘not carried out’, the truth is, it’s not even allowed right here. However in England, they’ve completely different guidelines and legal guidelines.”
Ten Hag additionally spoke about certainly one of his gamers, Marcus Rashford, and his exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
The United gaffer insisted that very similar to Jack Grealish, Rashford didn’t have a superb season and his insufficient performances resulted in him not getting picked.
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