Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that the club spoke to Thomas Tuchel about the manager's position.
Ten Hag recently learned that he will continue in his role as Man United manager following an end-of-season review.
There had been uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag's future despite the fact that he led Man United to their first FA Cup trophy in eight years.
Although finished the season with silverware, Man United experienced their fair share of disappointment during the 2023-24 campaign, crashing out of the Champions League in the group stage and finishing in eighth place in the Premier League.
The likes of Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi were all mooted as potential replacements.
© Reuters
Ten Hag confirms Man United spoke with Tuchel
Tuchel was believed to be among the frontrunners after leaving his position as Bayern Munich boss at the end of the season.
While Tuchel is now set to take a sabbatical, Ten Hag has revealed that the club's hierarchy told him they spoke with the former Chelsea manager when they flew to Ibiza to confirm that he would keep his position.
"The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza," Ten Hag told Dutch TV channel NOS. "They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.
"Man United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.
"INEOS took their time. They are new in football, it's normal to reflect on the season. It's no secret that they talked with multiple candidates."
© Reuters
Ten Hag opens up on contract talks
Although he will continue in his role for next season, Ten Hag still faces an uncertain future due to his contract situation at Old Trafford.
The 54-year-old is set to enter the final 12 months of his deal and will now hold talks with Man United over an extension.
However, Ten Hag has conceded that there is some work to be done before he extends his stay with the 20-time English champions.
"Man United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract," Ten Hag added. "This isn't easily done - we are still going to have to talk about this."
There has been a suggestion that Ten Hag will make three demands when he negotiates a new contract with Man United co-owners INEOS.
