How Ten Hag almost QUIT Man Utd

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 29 Oct 2024 08:54 GMT
• 4 min read

Erik ten Hag was inches away from leaving Manchester United, a new report has claimed.

The Dutchman, who was sacked from his post this week, almost left the club after his second season. Ineos had conducted an extensive review of the season and his future was in the balance at the time.

But the group ultimately kept him, with the victory over Manchester City being a huge factor in their decision. But another an awful start to the 2024/25 campaign, on Monday morning, United released a statement confirming the sacking of Ten Hag.

READ MORE: 'Chef's kiss' - De Gea reacts to Man Utd sacking Ten Hag

The Red Devils are currently in 14th position in the Premier League after the 2-1 loss to fellow strugglers West Ham on Sunday and that was the final straw. "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager," United's statement read.

"Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

"We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited."

During a lengthy end-of-season review after the FA Cup final, Ineos spoke to potential replacements including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Marco Silva over the possibility of taking over.

And it was during this period that Ten Hag considered walking away.

De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij has reported "What no one knows is that Ten Hag himself was on the point of resigning in the summer. He was more than fed up with the criticism of his performance and the stories that the new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his management were having discussions with various European coaches. Eventually, during his holiday in Ibiza, he decided to continue the 'project' Manchester United.

READ MORE: What next for Erik ten Hag after Man Utd sacking?

Yesterday then breaking news emerged that the club were looking to appoint Ruben Amorim as their next head coach.

Man Utd working on Amorim deal

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are progressing in the deal.

The Portuguese is one of Europe's most in-demand coaching commodities and Ornstein reports that he is open to finally making the move to the Premier League after talks with Liverpool and West Ham came to nothing earlier this year.