Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed details of how he got the job at Old Trafford.
After OIe Gunnar Solksjaer was sacked after a series of poor results and performances, caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick took over until the summer.
However, Rangnick’s short stint proved to be disastrous, marked by player malaise and regular locker room leaks that caused things to boil over, effectively derailing the team’s season.
United’s club bosses embarked on another managerial hunt as it became clear Rangnick was the wrong man.
One of the names on the table was former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who, as recently reported, turned down United over concerns about the club’s structure.
Al-Nassr chief Rudi Garcia also confirmed that he held talks with John Murtough and Darren Fletcher before Ten Hag was appointed.
Mauricio Pochettino was also a strong candidate for the job, as was Luis Enrique.
Ten Hag told Voetbal International, broadcast by SportWitness: “In the spring, interest from Manchester United arose. The club proceeded very carefully and indicated that they had three candidates.
“I had a conversation with sporting director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher about the technical side of football, but that wasn’t all. I also met with the CEO and then with the owners.”
The Dutchman commented: “I also met with an external agency employed by the owners. Them [the Glazers and the agency] he had examined me completely.
Since Ten Hag took over, United have gradually gone on an upward trajectory and, in retrospect, his appointment seems shrewd so far.
His most recent achievement came yesterday when his team edged past Burnley to advance to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
