Erik ten Hag is still a tad finicky about his future at Old as he and the club are yet to reach a contract agreement. There are still 12 months left on his deal and he will be into talks over a reported two-year extension.
The Dutchman came thgough the protracted end-season review conducted by the club’s part-owners, INEOS, and headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe relatively none the worse for wear, except for perhaps a dent in his credibility and public image. However, irrepressible and full of self confidence in his own ability as usual, he found ways to reappraise himself in a manner worthy he felt was more worthy than the actual situation suggested.The 54-year-old was finally told by Ratcliffe and his entourage he would keep his job 17 days after edging Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final. United subsequently finished eighth in the Premier League this season.
“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 told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
“United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
Indeed, the Red Devils sounded out multiple replacements, including Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Kieran McKenna.
Ten Hag was on holiday in Ibiza when he learned he would be staying on at Old Trafford after club officials flew out to meet him.
He added: “Manchester United disturbed my holiday. They suddenly stood at my doorstep. They flew to me in Ibiza.
“Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.
“Here in Holland this is ‘not done,’ in fact, it’s not even allowed here. But in England they have different rules and laws.
“As in any organization, and that seems very sensible to me, there is an evaluation. Conclusions were drawn from there. The new leadership is playing football for the first time.”
United are set to return for pre-season training during the first two weeks of July, after which they then head on tour in the USA, where they will take on Arsenal on July 27 in Los Angeles.