Man United came to Ibiza to ask me to stay, says Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said his summer holiday in Ibiza was interrupted by the club’s management, who flew out to inform him they wanted him to stay at Old Trafford. Despite earlier doubts about his future, particularly before United’s victory in the FA Cup final, the club decided to retain the Dutchman as their manager.

“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag said on Dutch TV channel NOS. “They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.”

United’s eighth-place finish last season was their lowest in the Premier League era, leading to speculation about Ten Hag’s position. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considered former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel but ultimately decided to stick with Ten Hag.

“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager,” Ten Hag added. “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.”

🚨 Erik ten Hag: “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Thomas Tuchel, yes”.

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“They said they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager”. pic.twitter.com/RszGliKmdb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2024

Ten Hag had a successful debut season, leading United to third place in the Premier League and to the finals of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, securing the EFL Cup victory in 2023. Despite having the board’s backing, he confirmed that a new contract agreement has not yet been finalized.

“Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done – we are still going to have to talk about this,” Ten Hag concluded.