Neville makes telling Ten Hag claim after Man Utd held talks with rival bosses

Gary Neville claims Manchester United were right to open talks with potential Erik ten Hag replacements after the Red Devils’ miserable season.

The Dutchman faced an uncertain future at the end of the season following the club’s disappointing Premier League campaign. They did however win the FA Cup.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe conducted a thorough post-season review, which included talks with ex-Chelsea and PSG boss Thomas Tuchel in Monaco. The German shared his vision for the club. In the end, Man United chose to keep Ten Hag in charge. He could now be in line for a new contract at Old Trafford.

Despite that u-turn, Red Devils’ icon Neville believes that club chiefs were right to scour the market for a potential successor given Man United’s form last season. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s not perfect waiting two-and-a-half weeks after the end of the season to make a decision on the manager. And quite obviously flirting with other managers in the meantime.

“But I do believe that because Erik ten Hag had such a disappointing season in the Premier League the club were well within their rights to see what was out there in the market. As we all know, the manager market has been quite difficult for a number of top clubs in Europe.

“I’m happy because they’ve continued and maintained that stability into next season. I think they’ve come to the right conclusion in the end but I also think they were within their rights to review at the end of the season and look at other options.

“From Ten Hag’s point of view, he knows that they’ve had a look at other managers which isn’t ideal. But he’s got to accept that when you finish in the league position Man United did, there’s a chance you might lose your job.”

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Ten Hag has already offered his view on Man United’s talks with Tuchel. Like Neville, he suggested that it made sense from a business perspective.

Speaking to NOS, Ten Hag said: “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.

“As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner is new to football, he has taken his time. They spoke with Thomas Tuchel, but came to the conclusion they already have the best manager.”

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