'Guy they really want is available' - Man United icon sends Erik ten Hag stark warning

Peter Schmeichel has blasted Manchester United's treatment of Erik ten Hag and reckons the players will be having doubts over the manager's future.

The Dutchman's future was under scrutiny following a turbulent season at Old Trafford. Despite the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, questions lingered about Ten Hag's suitability for the role.

United's football leadership, spearheaded by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, considered other managers, including ex-Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, before finally deciding to stick with Ten Hag. United's handling of the situation has drawn criticism from Red Devils legend Schmeichel, who believes the manager has been undermined.

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"If I was a player in the squad, I would feel my manager has been undermined," Schmeichel told talkSPORT. "Will I have the same respect for him? Will I then think he's secure in his job?

"Is it a question of when the guy they really want is available, he will then have to leave his job? I don't think Manchester United, at this particular time, need all that uncertainty. I've got to be honest, I feel really, really sorry for him. I don't think that was the right way to do it."

Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag revealed United's decision-makers visited him while he was holidaying in Ibiza to tell him he was still their man. He said: "They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.

"As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner [Ratcliffe] is new to football, he has taken his time."

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Ten Hag also disclosed that the club told him they had sounded out other managers, a practice not permitted in the Netherlands. He added: "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 and the club are now in talks over a new contract 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."

Ten Hag's current contract is set to expire next year, although the club does have the option to extend it by another 12 months.