Manchester Utd candidates 'shocked' by cut-price offers before Erik ten Hag call

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 June 2024

Man Utd candidates 'shocked' by cut-price offers before Ten Hag call

Possible replacements for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United were reportedly 'surprised' by the low wages that were offered and also the club's summer transfer budget.

Potential replacements for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United were allegedly 'surprised' by the low wages that were offered and also the club's transfer budget this summer.

The 20-time English champions gave serious consideration to sacking Ten Hag as head coach due to the team's struggles during the 2023-24 campaign.

Man United finished down in eighth position in the Premier League table, which represented their worst campaign in the current format.

However, the Red Devils won the FA Cup final at the end of last month to secure major silverware for the second season in a row, while it booked their spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.

Ten Hag is allegedly now staying as head coach and in talks over a new deal, with Man United's new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe confident that Ten Hag is the right manager to lead the team forward.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shakes hands with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after winning the FA Cup on May 25, 2024 © Reuters

Two managers 'surprised' by Man United offers

According to The Times, one potential replacement for Ten Hag was left 'astounded' by the low wages that he was offered to become the new head coach.

Meanwhile, the report claims that another candidate for the role was 'unimpressed' by the amount of money that the club were planning to spend during the summer market.

Thomas Tuchel had been linked with the position, with the German leaving Bayern Munich, but he is now planning to spend a year out of the game.

It is alleged that Tuchel had spoken to Man United chiefs about the possibility of signing Antonio Rudiger from Real Madrid this summer, but the club did not want to pay out a huge fee for a 31-year-old.

England manager Gareth Southgate pictured on June 7, 2024 © Reuters

Southgate 'also considered as Ten Hag replacement'

Gareth Southgate had allegedly been the favourite for the position, with Ratcliffe thought to be keen to bring the England manager to Old Trafford.

However, Southgate is concentrating on leading the Three Lions into the European Championship, and Man United were therefore ultimately forced to drop their interest.

Brentford's Thomas Frank and Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna, in addition to Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, were also all in the conversation.

However, Ten Hag has ultimately done enough to keep his job, at least until the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign, but his position is likely to again be called into question if the team make a poor start to the new season.

Man United have allegedly made an opening bid of £35m for Everton centre-back Jarrad Braithwaite, but the offer is expected to be swiftly turned down by the Toffees, who value him at £80m.