Erik ten Hag breaks silence on 'forbidden' Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks and his Man United future

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed he was informed that the club held talks with Thomas Tuchel over replacing him.

The 54-year-old faced an uncertain future at Old Trafford after guiding United to their worst league position in over 30 years; however, Ten Hag salvaged the club's campaign after securing Europa League qualification thanks to their FA Cup win.

Following the conclusion of the season, the former Ajax manager faced scrutiny over his suitability for the role in the dugout, with Mauricio Pochettino linked, while United liked Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and met with Tuchel.

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But last week it was confirmed that Ten Hag would remain in the United hot seat in the first full season since INEOS' part ownership was completed. On Sunday, he was a pundit in his native Holland for NOS and revealed that United chiefs flew out to Ibiza to inform him they wanted him to stay.

"The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza," he said. "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.

"Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager."

On the club's end of season review, the Dutchman added: "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 have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers. That is not even allowed in the Netherlands. Then it is forbidden to talk to other coaches if there is still a trainer."

Ten Hag has entered the final 12 months of his contract at United, after arriving from the Eredivisie in 2022, and says there is still an agreement to reach between the two parties but there is an alignment that they will continue working together.

He said: "We have had good discussions with each other, various topics have been discussed. The conclusion is that we will continue together and that they will extend my contract. We still have to reach an agreement on that."