I was ready to leave but they begged me to stay – Eric Ten Hag
According to Metro, former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s recent admission about discussions regarding his future at the club has left football pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards astounded.
Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag revealed the surprising sequence of events during his holiday in Ibiza: “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. Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
Lineker, discussing the matter on The Rest is Football podcast after England’s Euro 2024 win over Serbia, expressed his bewilderment: “Erik ten Hag has admitted United told him they spoke to Thomas Tuchel. It’s strange behaviour from the club and odd that he would admit that. It’s poor from the club. It’s extraordinary. I’ve never known anything like this.”
Richards, a former Manchester City defender, condemned United’s actions, stating he would have walked away from the job in Ten Hag’s position: “He’s been disrespected. How bad is that? We were talking about Jim Ratcliffe coming in and changing things, hiring proper football people, and then you hear stories like this. It’s ridiculous. How can you do that? If I was the manager I would say, no problem, this isn’t for me. I don’t think it’s fair what’s happened.”
Ten Hag’s tenure at United faced scrutiny during a turbulent Premier League 2023-24 season, which prompted discussions about potential managerial changes. Reflecting on the situation, Ten Hag remarked, “It was a turbulent season. I was able to take a bit of a holiday. This week, United suddenly showed up on my doorstep. That they would like to continue with me.”
Regarding the club’s approach to other managers, Ten Hag explained, “Everyone has heard that they have spoken to several candidates. In the Netherlands, something like that is not possible and it is not even allowed. You are not allowed to just talk to another club as long as there is a current head coach. In England, it is different.”
The saga underscores the complexities and scrutiny surrounding managerial decisions at top football clubs, especially in the highly competitive and unpredictable Premier League.
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to announce a new contract for defender Jonny Evans, extending his stay at the club by a further year.
Man United to announce new defender contract ‘imminently’
The 36-year-old is showing no signs of letting up despite being in the twilight of his career, playing a key role for the Red Devils during the 2023-24 term.
Due to a number of injuries to the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Evans perhaps earned more game time than he expected under Erik ten Hag last campaign.
The former Leicester City centre-back featured 23 times in the Premier League for Man United – starting 15 of those fixtures – managing to bag a game-winning assist in the 1-0 win at Burnley in September 2023.
Evans is still a key man for his national side, recently captaining an extremely-youthful Northern Ireland outfit as they were smashed 5-1 by Spain in a friendly on June 8.
Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz in action with Manchester United’s Jonny Evans on November 4, 2023
Man United set to announce Evans extension?
According to Football Insider, Man United are on the verge of announcing their first move of the summer transfer window, one which involves a current player.
The report claims that the Red Devils are set to confirm that defender Evans has signed a new contract at the Theatre of Dreams, meaning that he will play a part in the 2024-25 term.
It is understood that the centre-back’s agreement with Man United will run for a further 12 months, at the end of which an exit from the club is highly likely.
Ten Hag is said to be a “huge fan” of Evans and his performances in the midst of an injury crisis in defence last season, filling in at crucial moments in the term.
The four-time Premier League winner is believed to be a good influence in the changing room in the eyes of the Dutch head coach, increasing his desire to keep the 36-year-old around.
Jarrad Branthwaite celebrates scoring for Everton on February 3, 2024
Man United chasing new partners for Evans
Even though Evans is set to stay put at Old Trafford this summer, Man United are still going full steam ahead in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
It has been widely reported that the Red Devils recently had a £35m bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite turned down, with the Toffees hoping to pocket £80m for the youngster.
However, due to the financial issues being endured by Sean Dyche’s men, United are looking to secure the 21-year-old for significantly less than the asking price.
Ten Hag’s troops have also been linked with a £50.7m move for Lille defender Leny Yoro, who is said to be on the radar of Champions League winners Real Madrid.
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