Gary Lineker and Micah Richards react to ‘extraordinary’ Erik ten Hag admission about Man Utd job

and were left stunned by an ‘extraordinary’ admission from boss .

Speaking on Dutch TV during their coverage of Euro 2024, Ten Hag .

‘The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,’ Ten Hag said on NOS. ‘They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.

‘Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.

‘Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.’

but both parties decided it was not the best fit.

Ex-England striker Lineker was stunned by the revelation and said it was ‘strange behaviour’ from Manchester United.

‘One new story before we finish,’ the Match of the Day host said on after discussing England’s .

‘Erik ten Hag, who has been working on Dutch TV, has admitted United told him they spoke to Thomas Tuchel.

‘It’s strange behaviour from the club and odd that he would admit that. It’s poor from the club. It’s extraordinary. I’ve never known anything like this.

‘Who knows what will happen there because he also said they need to discuss a new contract. In his defence, and he deserves to be defended, he’s won two trophies at the club.’

Micah Richards, meanwhile, said he would have walked away from the job had he been in Ten Hag’s position.

‘He’s been disrespected,’ the former Manchester City defender said. ‘How bad is that?

‘We were talking about Jim Ratcliffe coming in and changing things, hiring proper football people, and then you hear stories like this. It’s ridiculous.

‘How can you do that? If I was the manager I would say, no problem, this isn’t for me. I don’t think it’s fair what’s happened.’

Ten Hag’s position came under massive scrutiny during Manchester United’s dismal Premier League 2023-24 campaign.

The Red Devils slumped to their lowest-ever Premier League finish, although they .

‘It was a turbulent season,’ Ten Hag said. ‘I was able to take a bit of a holiday. This week, United suddenly showed up on my doorstep. That they would like to continue with me.

‘In any organisation it is wise that you evaluate and that you draw your conclusions from that. Manchester United has that The new leadership then decided on this.’

Asked about the speculation linking United with Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter as well as Tuchel, Ten Hag said: ‘Everyone has heard that they have spoken to several candidates.

‘In the Netherlands, something like that is not possible and it is not even allowed. You are not allowed to just talk to another club. as long as there is a current head coach. In England it is different.

‘Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.’

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