LONDON (AFP) – Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag revealed on Sunday the English giants had admitted courting Thomas Tuchel to replace him but opted to persevere with the under-pressure Dutchman when “they came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager”.
The 54-year-old Ten Hag was the subject of intense scrutiny after United ended last season eighth in the Premier League – their lowest finish since 1990 – and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.
But he did help salvage something from the campaign thanks to a 2-1 FA Cup final win over local rivals Manchester City at Wembley that also secured a place in next season’s Europa League.
“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag told NOS on Sunday, while working as a football pundit for the Dutch broadcaster.
“They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. It was a turbulent season. Never a dull moment.”
