'I'm uncomfortable with it' - Manchester United assistant target REJECTS move
Paul Macdonald
- Updated: 8 May 2022 21:26 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United's boss for next season, Erik Ten Hag, has been dealt a blow after his preferred choice as his assistant at Old Trafford chose to reject a move to the Premier League.
Fred Rutten is a well-known figure in Dutch football, having been a veteran of Twente as a player and has also coached at the likes of Feyenoord, PSV and Schalke. His last period in charge of a club was with Anderlecht in 2019.
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Reports suggested that the 59-year-old had been identified as Ten Hag's ideal candidate to move to Manchester as his assistant for the beginning of the 2022-23 season, as he looks to shape his backroom team.
However Rutten, appearing on Dutch TV, made it clear that Ten Hag had approached him, but that he chose to reject the move in favour of spending time with his family, adding that the move made him feel 'uncomfortable'.
He said: "Erik ten Hag has asked me to be his assistant at Manchester United, I said no.
"Everyone makes his own choices in life. I have a family, I have grandchildren that I want to see. This type of project.. I felt uncomfortable with it."
🚨 - Fred Rutte: "Erik ten Hag has asked me to be his assistent at Manchester United, I said no. Everyone makes his own choices in life. I have a family, I have grandchildren that I want to see. This type of project.. I felt uncomfortable with it." pic.twitter.com/IhDLttDqmW
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) May 8, 2022
Rutten's rejection will be a setback for Ten Hag as he aims to turn Manchester United's fortunes around.
The Red Devils suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday evening, meaning that no matter what happens in the remainder of the campaign, United are set to suffer their worst-ever Premier League season in terms of points gained.
Read more about: Premier League, Man Utd
