Man Utd left two bosses 'astounded' in job talks before Erik ten Hag U-turn

Manchester United considered sacking Erik ten Hag and handing the reins to another manager for the new season – but money issues 'astounded' potential new gaffers.

Ten Hag may have won a record 13th FA Cup with United last month, but it rounded off an overall disappointing season for the club. United ended the 2023/24 campaign in eighth – their lowest finish in Premier League history – which prompted bosses to conduct a post-season review.

The current United boss faced a tense wait as the club conducted talks with other potential managerial candidates and considered all options. However, various money issues – from transfer budget to wages – proved to be the deal-breakers for some interviewees.

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The Times reported that one manager on United's shortlist was left 'astounded' by the low wages they would be on if they took the job. While another was 'left unimpressed' by the budget they would be handed for transfers.

One candidate for the role was former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who fell out of the running for the United job after bosses no longer considered him a suitable fit for the job. Tuchel was reportedly planning to sign former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger from Real Madrid to strengthen the back line.

Due to his age, price range and the player's discontent, though, Rudiger was not an option and Tuchel's ideas were said to have been thrown out by sporting operations chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Mauricio Pochettino was also a name considered for the position, as well as Brentford boss Thomas Frank. Brentford claimed they hadn't received any correspondence from United to chat with Frank, and there were doubts over whether the club would pay the multimillion-pound release clause in his contract.

This reason had also been cited for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, who worked as an assistant manager for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick at United.

The Times say that Sir Dave Brailsford was the main catalyst who wanted Ten Hag to stay in his role at the club. The Dutchman will now remain in his position at United following the board's review and the club are even looking to extend his contract – which is about to enter its final season.

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