'They spoke with Thomas Tuchel, but came to the conclusion they already have the best': Erik ten Hag breaks his silence on keeping the Man United job - and 'disturbance' of his holiday
Manchester United's owners recently considered sacking manager Erik ten HagBut the club decided to keep the Dutchman after interviewing Thomas TuchelClick here to follow Mail Sport's Euro 2024 WhatsApp Channel for all the latest breaking news and updates from Germany
Erik ten Hag has joked that Manchester United 'disturbed' his holiday to tell him that he would be keeping his job this summer.
The Dutchman has also revealed that he he is aware that the club held talks with alternative candidates, including former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel.
Ten Hag's role as manager appeared to be under significant threat as the club's ownership group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, conducted a thorough review after United finished eighth in the Premier League last season - their lowest final position since 1990.
The result of that review, according to Ten Hag, was that United 'already have the best manager'.
Ten Hag was on holiday on the Spanish island of Ibiza when he learned that he would be staying on at Old Trafford. He then flew to mainland Europe to watch Euro 2024 in Germany and was interviewed by Dutch TV channel NOS on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag has spoken to Dutch TV channel NOS about keeping his Manchester United job
Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford had been the subject of a review led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right)
Speaking to NOS, Ten Hag revealed: 'The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.'
Reflecting on the 2023-24 campaign, which ended with United beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, Ten Hag added: 'It was a turbulent season. Never a dull moment.
On the Ratcliffe-led review, he said: 'As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too.
'The new owner is new to football, he has taken his time.
'They spoke with Thomas Tuchel, but came to the conclusion they already have the best manager.'
United spoke to other managers, including former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel
Ten Hag's United finished eighth in the Premier League last season but won the FA Cup
United are set to return for pre-season training during the first two weeks of July, before heading off on tour to the USA where they will take on Arsenal on July 27 in Los Angeles.
Ten Hag will be keen to bolster his squad before then. Several areas require reinforcements, most notably central defence and defensive midfield.